Syrian rebels seize control of Aleppo amid civil war chaos

In a significant military advance, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist militant group in Syria, launched an unexpected offensive on November 27, 2024, capturing Aleppo, the country's second-largest city. This abrupt shift in control marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing Syrian civil war, which has seen various factions vie for power since 2011. Prior to this offensive, the Syrian regime, led by President Bashar al-Assad, had regained control over much of the territory lost in previous years, primarily with the aid of its allies, Russia and Iran, after facing initial setbacks against both domestic and international adversaries. The recapture of Aleppo by HTS resulted in a sudden and chaotic displacement of civilians, with mass panic reported across the city as residents sought safety amid the fierce fighting and ensuing airstrikes from the Assad government, which marked a significant escalation in violence after years of relative stability in the region. Furthermore, the humanitarian impact of these developments has raised alarms among local and international agencies, who expressed concern for the vulnerable populations, including religious minorities, who fear a resurgence of extremist rule. The capture of Aleppo not only poses immediate security concerns but also destabilizes the region further, with ramifications for international relations and domestic policies in war-torn Syria. As Assad's military responded with focused airstrikes on HTS-held territories in an attempt to regain lost ground, the situation remains fluid and tense, prompting discussions about potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy regarding support for the Assad regime as the balance of power precariously tips towards Islamist extremist groups.