In a dramatic turn of events, Islamist insurgents have seized control of Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, sending shockwaves through the Assad regime and its allies. As Damascus scrambles to mount a response, Iran has announced that its top diplomat will visit the Syrian capital in a show of support.
The sudden advance by militants from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) caught the Syrian government off guard, with insurgents sweeping through towns and villages across northwestern Syria in less than a week before capturing Aleppo, a former industrial powerhouse. The loss of the city, which had been under regime control for almost a decade, has rattled Assad’s backers overseas.
Iran and Russia Rally Behind Syria
In response to the crisis, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that he would travel to Damascus on Sunday to convey Tehran’s unwavering support for Bashar al-Assad and his government. Iran has long been a key ally of the Syrian regime, providing crucial military and financial assistance throughout the civil war.
Russia, another vital backer of Assad, has also expressed grave concern over the situation. In a telephone call with his Iranian counterpart, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stressed the need to address the “dangerous escalation” in Syria. Moscow’s air power proved decisive in helping Damascus regain control of Aleppo back in 2016, and its support will likely be critical in any counter-offensive.
Assad Emerges After Days of Silence
As the crisis unfolded, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad remained conspicuously absent from public view for several days. He finally resurfaced late on Saturday night, conducting a flurry of calls to regional allies in Baghdad and Abu Dhabi. Assad assured the Emirati president that the Syrian government was capable of repelling the insurgency with the help of its “allies and friends.”
Syria Launches Counter-Attack in Hama
Signs of a concerted counter-attack by the Syrian army have begun to emerge, with Damascus claiming to have reinforced defensive lines in the northern Hama countryside to halt the militant advance. The Syrian defense ministry has vowed to recover all lost regions, while pro-government channels have shared images purporting to show life continuing as normal in Hama city.
However, insurgent forces have reported fierce battles north of Hama, suggesting that the regime’s efforts to regain the initiative are meeting stiff resistance. The fighting has been accompanied by a wave of Syrian and Russian airstrikes across opposition-controlled areas, with the White Helmets civil defense force reporting casualties in Idlib city.
The Stakes for Syria and Its Allies
The outcome of the current offensive could have far-reaching consequences for Syria and the wider region. If the insurgents manage to consolidate their gains and push further into regime-held territory, it would represent the most serious challenge to Assad’s rule in years. Such a scenario would likely prompt an even greater mobilization by Syria’s allies, with Iran and Russia potentially increasing their military presence on the ground.
On the other hand, if Damascus succeeds in turning the tide and recapturing lost ground, it could deal a crushing blow to the opposition and solidify Assad’s grip on power. This would be a major victory for Syria’s allies, reinforcing their influence in the country and the broader Middle East.
A War with No End in Sight
Regardless of the immediate outcome, the latest developments in Syria serve as a stark reminder that the country’s conflict is far from over. More than a decade after the initial uprising against Assad’s rule, Syria remains fractured and devastated, with millions displaced and no clear path to a lasting peace.
As regional and global powers continue to pursue their competing interests in Syria, the suffering of the Syrian people shows no sign of abating. The battle for Aleppo may be the latest chapter in this long and bloody war, but it is unlikely to be the last.
