Syrian insurgents launched a major offensive in northwest Syria, breaching the outskirts of Aleppo, the country’s second-largest city, on Friday, as reported by the war monitor. The insurgents detonated two car bombs on Aleppo’s western edge, triggering clashes with government forces.
Thousands of insurgents, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), advanced on government-held areas, capturing several towns and villages leading to Aleppo, reported AP. This marks the most intense fighting in the region since 2020 and the largest insurgent offensive on Aleppo since 2016.
Syrian state media reported that rebel projectiles struck student accommodation at Aleppo’s university centre, resulting in four fatalities, including two students. Official media reported that public transport has been rerouted from the main Aleppo-Damascus highway to avoid conflict areas while residents reported hearing missiles on the outskirts of the city.
Insurgents also advanced on Saraqab, a strategic town in Idlib province that secures supply lines to Aleppo. The Syrian Armed Forces said the insurgents are violating a 2019 de-escalation agreement. Airstrikes targeted insurgent positions in Aleppo and Idlib.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported dozens of casualties on both sides since the fighting began Wednesday. Insurgents reportedly have gained control of over 50 villages.
Insurgents also claimed control of the Scientific Research Centre neighborhood near Aleppo, which government-linked media disputed.
Additionally, Turkiye’s Anadolu Agency reported the insurgents captured a significant area in Aleppo and Idlib, reaching within one kilometer of Aleppo city. They also reportedly attacked an airbase, destroying a helicopter and seizing weapons and vehicles.
The offensive coincides with a ceasefire announced Wednesday between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group that supports Syrian government forces. “Hezbollah was the main force in the government’s control of the city,” said Rami Abdurrahman, head of the Observatory. Amid the ongoing insurgent attack, Iran reaffirmed its backing for its ally Syria on Friday. During a telephone conversation with Syrian counterpart Bassam al-Sabbagh, the Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi “stressed Iran’s continued support for the government, nation and army of Syria in their fight against terrorism,” as stated in an official release.
Amid the fighting in Syria, aid organisations reported widespread displacement of families due to the conflict, leading to disruption of essential services. However, opposition forces claimed their military campaign would enable numerous displaced individuals to return home, following their earlier evacuation due to government attacks.
