Syrian rebels launch offensive and breach Aleppo for the first time since 2016

In late November 2024, in Syria, insurgents from the extremist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham initiated a significant military offensive, which has enabled them to breach the borders of Aleppo for the first time since the city was recaptured by the Syrian government in 2016. This advance marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, showcasing a resurgence of rebel capabilities in a region largely considered under government control. Following their offensive, the insurgents captured several towns and villages, escalating violence within the region and significantly impacting civilian life. The renewed violence has resulted in adverse humanitarian consequences, with reports indicating that relentless attacks over three days have claimed the lives of 27 civilians, including eight children. The United Nations has expressed concern over the rising civilian casualties, underscoring the dangers posed by escalating clashes between the two sides. Additionally, immediate impacts on local infrastructure have been noted, as transportation routes leading to Aleppo have been diverted to avoid confrontations with armed forces. Footage shared by the insurgents highlights their use of modern warfare tactics, including the deployment of drones, signifying a shift in their operational strategies. Witness reports from within Aleppo depict a scene of chaos, with residents fleeing their homes amid a backdrop of ongoing heavy shelling and armed confrontations, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the area. The Syrian government's silence regarding the situation suggests a possibility of strategic regrouping to counter these advances. The implications of this offensive could have broader ramifications for the Syrian conflict, which has already entered its second decade. With the rebels reportedly controlling around 70 locations within the strategic provinces of Aleppo and Idlib, the situation poses significant challenges for the Syrian Armed Forces, who reportedly have pledged to resist the advances of the insurgents. Historical context surrounding the 2016 battle for Aleppo illustrates the turning dynamics in the Syrian conflict, and the current developments may signal a challenging new chapter for both military factions involved in the ongoing struggle for power in the region.