Syria’s Renewed Conflict: The Current Crisis in Syria and Its Potential Impact on the Middle East

Syria’s Renewed Conflict: Rebel Offensive Targets Aleppo

After more than a decade of brutal civil war, Syria finds itself at a crucial crossroads. The conflict, which had faded from global headlines, has seen a sudden surge in violence as Syrian rebel forces launched a major offensive on Aleppo, the country’s once-thriving commercial hub. This marks the first significant challenge to President Bashar al-Assad's regime in years and could further destabilize an already volatile region.

Why Aleppo is Crucial

Aleppo, located 350 km north of Damascus, has been one of the key battlegrounds in the Syrian civil war. Before the war, it was Syria's largest city, with a population of 2.3 million. In 2012, rebel forces took control of the eastern half of Aleppo, making it the focal point of the opposition against Assad’s government. However, in 2016, after years of devastating siege and bombings, the Syrian government, with critical support from Russia, regained control of the city. The siege itself became a symbol of the brutal tactics used by Assad's forces, including indiscriminate bombings, starvation, and mass displacement of civilians.

The Current Rebel Offensive

The rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), are once again targeting Aleppo’s outskirts. HTS, previously linked to al-Qaeda, has since rebranded itself as a more politically inclined group focused on governance in opposition-controlled territories. Despite efforts to distance itself from its extremist past, HTS is still viewed as a terrorist organization by the United States and the UN. It is joined by other factions backed by Turkey, operating under the Syrian National Army (SNA). These groups, despite internal conflicts, are united in their opposition to Assad.

The immediate goals of the offensive include halting government airstrikes, reclaiming lost territory, and cutting off supply routes to Assad’s forces. The rebel forces have made rapid progress, capturing several villages and military bases around Aleppo, and the situation continues to evolve quickly.

Implications for Syria and the Region

If the rebels succeed in breaking through, it could lead to renewed urban warfare and further weaken Assad’s hold over the country. With ongoing Iranian and Russian support for the regime, the situation remains tense, and the impact of this new violence could send shockwaves across the Middle East, potentially reigniting broader regional instability.