Big blow for Assad regime as Syrian rebels gain upper hand in Aleppo

Syrian rebel forces have made significant gains in Aleppo, deploying across the city with armored vehicles and pickup trucks.

By Saturday, fighters had taken control of key sites, including the historic citadel, following minimal resistance from government troops, according to local residents and insurgents.

Witnesses reported two airstrikes targeting rebel reinforcements late Friday near residential areas. A monitoring group stated that the strikes killed 20 fighters.

In a Saturday statement, Syria’s armed forces acknowledged the insurgents’ penetration into the city but denied they had established permanent positions or checkpoints. The military cited a tactical redeployment aimed at preparing for a counteroffensive and minimizing casualties.

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Rebel fighters were seen outside prominent landmarks such as the Aleppo Citadel and police headquarters, tearing down and burning posters of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

The rebels’ surprise advance is a major humiliation for Assad, who has held full control of Aleppo since 2016 after a brutal campaign supported by Russia, Iran, and allied militias. Aleppo had not seen significant opposition attacks since that time, marking this development as a dramatic shift in the conflict.

A Turning Point in Aleppo
The rebel offensive comes amid escalating violence across Syria, including government strikes on opposition-held areas. Turkey, a key backer of Syrian opposition forces, had attempted to prevent these government attacks but failed to uphold a 2019 agreement brokered by Russia, Turkey, and Iran to maintain ceasefire lines.

Iran-linked forces, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah, appear to have been distracted by recent internal conflicts. A ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, following two months of intense fighting, was announced just days before the Aleppo offensive. Meanwhile, Israel has ramped up its strikes on Iranian and Hezbollah targets within Syria.

Opposition fighters have claimed significant victories in the Aleppo and Idlib countryside over the past week, capturing dozens of villages before entering Aleppo itself on Friday.

Scenes from the Ground
Eyewitnesses reported that Syrian government troops had withdrawn to positions around the city’s airport and a military academy, leaving most of Aleppo under rebel control. Kurdish forces remained stationed in two neighborhoods.

Opposition fighter Mohammad Al Abdo, speaking from the city’s Saadallah Aljabri square, described the moment as deeply personal. “This is my first time back in Aleppo in 13 years,” he said, recalling the death of his brother at the start of the war. “God willing, the rest of Aleppo province will be liberated.”

Residents like Abdulkafi Alhamdo, who fled Aleppo in 2016, returned after hearing of the rebel advance. He described his return as bittersweet. “As I entered Aleppo, I kept telling myself this is impossible! How did this happen?” he said, recounting a nighttime walk through the city’s streets and landmarks, including the citadel, where rebels raised their flag.

Humanitarian Concerns
The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that Aleppo’s airport was shut down, with all flights suspended. Public hospitals were overwhelmed, while many private facilities ceased operations. Schools and government offices were also closed, and residents largely stayed indoors.

Insurgents deployed security forces across the city to prevent looting and violence. Videos shared on social media showed them visiting residents and assuring their safety.

Meanwhile, pro-government media reported that “terrorists,” including sleeper cells, had infiltrated Aleppo. State television alleged that Russian airstrikes killed 200 militants involved in the offensive, though no additional details were provided.

As the situation develops, government forces, backed by Russian support, are expected to mount a counteroffensive, raising questions about the future stability of Aleppo.