Blamage for Syrian dictator Assad as Aleppo largely falls to jihadists

syria - Aleppo, a significant city in Syria, is now mostly under the control of jihadists, posing a major challenge for the Syrian regime led by Bashar al-Assad with the support of Russia. Read more for further details.

The recent offensive by Muslim extremists is a direct embarrassment for Bashar al-Assad, whose hold on power seemed strong in recent years. The whereabouts of the dictator, whether still in Syria or having fled abroad with some of his family and allies, remain unclear. There are reports of turmoil within the regime due to this unprecedented setback.

Meanwhile, the streets of Damascus remain relatively calm with rebels currently unable to pose a serious threat to the capital. However, they have gained control of a significant part of Aleppo, including the citadel, airport, and presidential palace. Images of Assad are being removed from walls, a sight deemed unimaginable not long ago.

Under the leadership of the radical Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, labeled a terrorist organization by the West, rebels launched a large-scale offensive last week, coincidentally after a ceasefire went into effect between Hezbollah and Israel. Initially targeting the government forces besieging their stronghold in Idlib, the rebels swiftly advanced towards Aleppo.

They also moved south towards the city of Hama but reportedly faced resistance from the government forces. Russian airstrikes are supporting the regime, targeting locations in Idlib and Aleppo. This marks the first instance since 2016 that Russian warplanes have attacked the country's second-largest city.

While Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah had previously prevented Assad's fall, their current focus has shifted. Moscow's attention is on Ukraine, Hezbollah is recovering from a fourteen-month war with Israel, and Israel has partially dismantled Iran's military infrastructure in Syria through airstrikes. The upcoming days will reveal the extent to which they can support Assad again.

In tandem with the Idlib rebels' offensive, pro-Turkish rebels have been attacking Kurdish positions in Aleppo, where the YPG, affiliated with the PKK, also holds control. Simultaneously, these rebels initiated an offensive against locations like Tel Rifaat, ruled by the YPG. The Kurdish movement has called on the population to mobilize.

Ankara claims to have attempted diplomatic means in recent weeks to halt regime attacks on rebel areas, breaching a 2020 agreement among Russia, Iran, and Turkey. The large offensive ensued when diplomatic efforts failed. Turkey, however, appears surprised by its success.

Unrest is escalating in southern Syria, where protests against the regime in 2011 led to a brutal civil war marked by the regime's usage of chemical weapons. Millions of Syrians fled, including to Europe, as the revolution was gradually hijacked by jihadists with extremist motives.

Rebels, especially Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, can no longer count on automatic Western support. Although HTS formally broke ties with Al-Qaeda years ago, it remains a radical Islamic movement. Social media recently circulated images of a jihadist destroying a Christmas tree in Aleppo, instilling fear among Christians and other minorities in the city.

Syria remains divided, with the regime controlling the largest portion of territory. Meanwhile, rebel factions led by HTS, pro-Turkish insurgents, and Kurdish fighters command other areas. Islamic State poses persistent challenges, particularly in the central desert and near the Iraqi border, with increased attacks in recent months. Approximately 900 American soldiers are in the country to counter this threat.