Syrian authorities shut down Aleppo airport and blocked all routes into the city on Saturday, according to three military sources cited by Reuters. This action came as opposition fighters, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, advanced into Aleppo after a surprise offensive against government-held areas.
Nearly a decade after being forced out of Aleppo by Syrian forces and their allies, the rebels have made significant gains. Their incursion, which began on Wednesday, saw them reach central Aleppo by Friday, marking their first return since 2016. Back then, the city was reclaimed by President Bashar al-Assad’s forces, supported by Russia, Iran, and regional militias, following months of intense bombardment and siege.
Russia has pledged additional military aid to Assad, with new equipment expected to arrive within 72 hours, military sources said. Meanwhile, Syrian forces have been ordered to execute “safe withdrawals” from areas now under rebel control.
The rapid rebel advance, according to Mustafa Abdul Jaber, a commander of the Jaish al-Izza brigade, was facilitated by reduced manpower among Iran-backed forces in Aleppo province. This shortage comes amid a series of setbacks faced by Iran’s regional allies due to the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Intense clashes over the last three days have killed 27 civilians, including children, in northwestern Syria. Rebel leaders claim their campaign was launched in response to recent escalations by Russian and Syrian air forces in Idlib and as a preemptive measure against potential government offensives.
Turkey, a key backer of the opposition, has been linked to the attack, with rebel sources suggesting it provided approval. However, Turkish officials, including Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli, stated their desire to maintain regional stability and adherence to de-escalation agreements.
The Syrian military refuted claims that rebels had entered Aleppo, asserting that they were actively countering the offensive with Russian air support. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov condemned the rebel operation as a violation of Syria’s sovereignty, calling for the restoration of constitutional order.
Syrian state media reported that insurgent shelling killed four civilians, including two students, at university dormitories in Aleppo on Friday. The U.N.’s David Carden expressed alarm over the escalating violence, emphasizing the heavy toll on civilians, including children as young as eight.
