In brief
At least 89 people have been killed as Syrian opposition forces embark on an unprecedented offensive in Western Aleppo, capturing key military positions and underscoring the precarious state of the ongoing conflict.
On November 27, 2024, Syrian opposition fighters launched a sweeping assault in the western Aleppo district, capturing a pivotal military base, as revealed by the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The military advance has resulted in the deaths of at least 89 individuals, marking a stark increase in hostilities within the fractured nation.The rebel factions—among them Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group with ties to Al Qaeda—have reportedly gained ground, pushing to within six miles of Aleppo city. They have successfully seized weapons, vehicles, and even captured pro-government forces, evidencing a significant tactical advantage over President Bashar al-Assad's military contingent. Notably, they announced their control over Base 46, a major stronghold for the government forces.Charles Lister, a prominent expert from the Middle East Institute’s Syria and counterterrorism programs, highlighted the rapid progress made by the armed opposition groups, which now stand just four to five kilometers from the city itself—an area of immense strategic importance.The current hostilities signal the rebels' first serious bid for territorial reclamation since a cease-fire agreement was mediated between Turkey and Russia in the Idlib region back in 2020. Analysts note that this uptick in violence could be driven by increased aggressions from pro-regime militias, perhaps in response to diminishing external support for the Syrian government from allies like Israel.Experts opine that the successful offensive casts a spotlight on the vulnerabilities of Assad's regime. Opposition forces have reportedly made substantial investments in military capability and training, improving their effectiveness significantly compared to earlier conflicts. A local resident, Dr. Mustafa Aledou, recounted his family's frightening experience amid the bombardment, stating, "We can hear the explosions… the attacks in the frontline." In light of the intensifying conflict, local authorities have shuttered schools and major markets to safeguard civilians.This escalation appears indicative of the ongoing volatility in the region, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the Syrian civil war.
