In a surprising development, Syrian opposition forces have entered Aleppo just three days into their offensive, marking a significant moment in the ongoing conflict. This marks the first time the rebels have taken control of the city since it was recaptured by government forces in 2016.
Beginning the assault on Wednesday, the rebels moved swiftly through several villages, culminating in their arrival in Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city. CNN verified footage showed opposition fighters waving their flags in a central square as they reached the city center.
The engagement between the rebels and the regime of President Bashar al-Assad has escalated dramatically, with the Syrian military claiming to counter a “major attack” and reinforcing positions. However, reports from residents indicate that government forces have retreated from multiple neighborhoods in western Aleppo.
The newly formed Military Operations Command coalition of armed opposition stated that they had seized control of the government’s Military Scientific Research Center after intense clashes, sharing videos of Syrian regime tanks departing as their forces advanced.
Throughout Friday, armed rebels continued their push into Aleppo, as footage captured fighters near a statue of Bassel al-Assad. In two separate videos taken in the nearly empty Saadallah al-Jabiri Square, fighters celebrated and chanted ‘Allahu Akbar’. Verified footage also indicated their presence at Aleppo’s historic citadel.
However, pro-Syrian government channels have contested the extent of the opposition’s territorial gains, posting videos claiming that areas remain free of rebels. In a tragic incident earlier on Friday, an artillery shell reportedly hit a student housing complex at Aleppo University, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. The Syrian state news agency SANA attributed the shelling to opposition factions, a claim that was denied by rebel spokespersons.
As the situation continues to evolve, at least 15 civilians lost their lives in recent airstrikes targeting rebel-held territories across Aleppo and Idlib. Iranian state media reported that a Brigadier General linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps was also killed amid the clashes.
Escalating tensions have led Iranian officials to blame the involvement of the U.S. and Israel in reactivating rebel forces, affirming their commitment to supporting the Syrian government. Subsequently, the Syrian government has responded with airstrikes targeting Idlib, killing several individuals and wounding others.
In recent developments, Russian airstrikes have begun to target areas in Aleppo for the first time since 2016. The situation remains fluid as both sides adjust to the rapidly changing dynamics on the ground.
This ongoing conflict, which has claimed over 300,000 civilian lives according to the UN, continues to result in significant displacement across the region. Residents of Aleppo now face the uncertainty of renewed violence in a city that once served as a major industrial hub before the war.
