The already complex and devastating Syrian civil war took a dramatic turn this week as rebel forces, spearheaded by Islamist militants, unexpectedly swept through the northern city of Aleppo. The sudden offensive by groups including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) caught the Syrian army off guard, leading to a hasty retreat and loss of control over Syria’s second largest city.
Regional Powers Scramble to Respond
The dramatic developments in Aleppo sent shockwaves through the region, prompting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s key allies, Iran and Russia, to urgently devise strategies to bolster his fractured grip on power. According to sources on the ground, Iranian-backed Iraqi militias, including fighters from Kataib Hezbollah and Fatemiyoun groups, crossed the border into eastern Syria overnight to reinforce struggling Syrian army units.
“The Iraqi militants arrived near the town of Bukamal to join forces already deployed in support of Damascus,” a Syrian army officer told Reuters, describing them as “fresh reinforcements being sent to aid our comrades on the frontlines in the north.”
Proxy War Intensifies
The influx of Iranian-allied fighters underscores the extent to which the Syrian civil war has become a complex proxy conflict, with regional and global powers vying for influence. Assad’s reliance on support from Tehran and Moscow has been instrumental in his fight to crush the uprising against his rule that began in 2011.
Over the years, Damascus has employed brutal tactics, including sieges, chemical weapons, and Russian air power, in its attempt to maintain control. However, the sudden loss of Aleppo has exposed the fragility of Assad’s position, even with the backing of powerful allies.
Scramble for De-Escalation
As various factions rush to adjust to the new reality on the ground, diplomatic efforts have intensified to prevent further escalation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Assad in Damascus, describing their discussions as “useful, frank and friendly.” Meanwhile, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani emphasized the regional implications in talks with Jordan’s King Abdullah II:
“Syria’s security and stability are closely linked to Iraq’s national security and play a crucial role in regional security,” al-Sudani’s office reported him saying.
Turkey, which has backed rebel groups along Syria’s northern border while recently seeking to normalize relations with Damascus, stressed the need for de-escalation. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, after meeting with his Iranian counterpart, declared:
“We do not want to see an escalation of the civil war in Syria,” advocating for “reconciliation” between the Assad regime and “legitimate opposition”.
Airstrikes and Civilian Toll Mount
Even as diplomats scramble to avert a spiraling conflict, the grim reality for civilians caught in the crosshairs continues to worsen. The Syrian defense ministry claimed it deployed reinforcements to mount counterattacks, while activists reported intensifying airstrikes by Syrian and Russian forces on Idlib and Aleppo.
The Syrian civil defense group known as the White Helmets said the strikes killed at least 20 civilians on Monday, with an attack on Idlib’s central hospital causing its oxygen supply to fail. “No one was prepared for bombardments on this scale,” lamented Ismail Alabdullah, a rescue worker who had just returned to Idlib from Aleppo.
As the White Helmets expand operations to assist displaced residents attempting to return home, they cautioned that the indiscriminate bombing by Damascus and its allies made it impossible to guarantee safe passage. “Our teams are working to clear and secure areas after attacks, but of course with so many attacks happening they are spread thin,” explained spokesperson Oubadah Alwan.
An Uncertain Future
With Aleppo now under the control of Islamist-led rebels, uncertainty reigns for the city’s battered and fearful residents. According to one local university lecturer, the new rulers instructed people to stay home “for their safety, and to protect their property.”
“They gave reassurances to residents that they will be safe, which is really important at this stage as people are scared,” the lecturer explained, requesting anonymity due to security concerns.
As the Syrian tragedy takes another unpredictable turn, the international community faces renewed pressure to find a path forward that alleviates civilian suffering and averts a wider regional conflagration. But with entrenched interests, fierce rivalries, and a legacy of shattered trust defining Syria’s hellish conflict, achieving that elusive goal remains a daunting challenge.
