After a major assault by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Aleppo, Russia’s Defence Ministry confirmed that its air force carried out strikes in support of President Bashar al-Assad and the Syrian Army, according to Russian news agencies.
This attack is considered the most intense rebel offensive in Syria in years, breaking the stalemate that had persisted since 2020 due to the ongoing civil war. It poses a significant challenge for both President Assad and the Syrian Army. In retaliation, the Syrian military has launched counter strikes, targeting rebel forces and convoys patrolling the city with airstrikes.
The Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Parties in Syria stated that the Syrian Army, backed by Russian airstrikes, carried out missile attacks on rebel gathering sites, control points, and positions, killing more than 300 insurgents, according to TASS News Agency.
In addition, the rebels reportedly captured Aleppo airport, as confirmed by their operations room and a security source. Two rebel sources also informed Reuters that the insurgents had taken control of Maraat al-Numan in Idlib province, thereby gaining control of the entire area.
Assad is a strong ally of Russia, while the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, formerly known as the Nusra Front, is recognized as a terrorist organization by the United States, Russia, Turkey, and several other countries. Earlier this week, the Islamist group launched a surprise attack that penetrated the core of Aleppo, triggering the ongoing unrest
