Rebel Advances in Aleppo Reignite the Syrian Civil War

The Syrian civil war has intensified following the rebel capture of Aleppo, marking a critical shift in a conflict that has remained largely stagnant for years. Led primarily by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, these recent moves by rebels indicate significant implications for both regional and international players involved in the ongoing crisis, particularly amidst the backdrop of conflicts involving Iran and Israel. Despite numerous attempts at peace talks, a lasting resolution remains elusive as tensions escalate.

Recent developments in Syria have reignited the civil war, as Islamist rebels seized the city of Aleppo from President Bashar al-Assad’s forces. This shift occurs against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the region, with potential implications for international stakeholders Russia and Turkey, who are already involved in the conflict. Rebel offensives against government positions began on November 26, resulting in the routing of government soldiers from the city by November 30, marking a significant change in control since the government recaptured Aleppo in 2016.

The rebels, predominantly led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), executed a coordinated attack from northern areas of Aleppo, also contributing to advances in southern provinces such as Hama. Russia, which has supported the Syrian government since 2015, has launched airstrikes aimed at repelling the rebel advances, worsening an already dire humanitarian situation characterized by hundreds of thousands of deaths and mass displacements since the war began in 2011.

hts, formerly known as the Nusra Front, emerged as a dominant force in the Idlib region, although both the United States and Turkey classify it as a terrorist organization. A separate faction, the Syrian National Army—backed by Turkey—has commenced its own offensive operations against the Syrian government. These developments indicate a significant uptick in hostilities after years of stagnant frontlines in the conflict.

The resurgence of violence has been spurred by recent regional dynamics, including conflicts involving Iran and Israeli military operations. U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan observed that the timing of the rebel advances corresponds with the distraction and weakening of Assad’s primary supporters—Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah—due to various military conflicts.

Attempts to stabilize the situation have proven futile, as Turkey has expressed frustration with Assad’s inaction toward negotiating with the opposition. Concerns persist regarding the Kurdish forces allied with the U.S., which are viewed as a security threat by Ankara. The Syrian National Army’s recent territorial gains against Kurdish factions underscore ongoing tensions in the region.

Since the war’s onset, international efforts for peace, such as the 2015 U.N. resolution for a new constitution and elections, remain unfulfilled. Geir Pedersen, the U.N. Syria envoy, highlighted that the recent escalation is indicative of the inability to establish a political framework to end the conflict, urging robust negotiations to facilitate a resolution to this enduring crisis.

The Syrian civil war, which erupted in 2011 amid the Arab Spring protests, has led to significant instability in the region, with myriad factions vying for control. Control has shifted numerous times between government forces and various rebel groups, with foreign powers like Russia and Turkey playing crucial roles. The recent capture of Aleppo by Islamist rebels concludes years of stalemated conflict, raises the stakes for regional powers, and necessitates renewed attention to peace initiatives that have failed to materialize.

The recent rebel gains in Aleppo have underscored the volatility of the Syrian civil war, reigniting concerns over escalating regional tensions and the involvement of major powers. As both sides prepare for a further escalation of conflict, underlined by failing diplomatic efforts and shifting alliances, the future remains uncertain. The international community must prioritize dialogue and negotiation frameworks to bring about an end to the prolonged hostilities that have devastated Syria.

Original Source: www.france24.com