Syrian military forces found themselves in direct street-fights with opposition groups inside Aleppo — marking the first such confrontation since 2016 (when government secured control over the city)
The clash started after rebel units made a quick-paced advancement through western districts; airstrikes targeted their supply routes on city edges. Syrian Army troops met opposition fighters in urban areas‚ while air-force tried to cut-off their support lines
Opposition groups showed unexpected success in their three-day operation: they moved through defense positions with minimal push-back and secured multiple locations
- Several dozen towns near Aleppo fell under rebel control
- Key transport hub south of city changed hands
- Both Aleppo and Idlib regions saw territorial changes
The break-through happened when anti-government forces pushed past outer defense lines on friday; state media confirmed direct combat inside citys western neighborhood — a development that surprised many observers