Breaking news: Major shifts in Syrian conflict as rebels push into key cities
Fresh round of air-strikes hits northern Syria as rebels make unexpected advances into strategic areas. Military actions cause civilian movement while government forces try to regain lost positions
Russian and Syrian planes hit Idlib yesterday causing havoc in the city-center (where about 4 million people live in make-shift homes). The air-strikes killed 4 people and left many hurt
The military actions happened after rebels made a surprise-move into Aleppo last friday — its the biggest change in the conflict since 2020. The Syrian army lost many soldiers and had to move back‚ but they say theyre getting some areas back now
- Hyat Tahrir al Sham group
- Turkey-backed rebel units
- Pro-government forces
- Russian air support
The streets of Aleppo are quiet; shops closed down and people are leaving the city in large numbers. Rebels say they got more land south of the city and took over Khansir town which blocks the armys main supply-route. They also captured the Sheikh Najjar industrial zone
The Syrian army isnt doing well partly because Iran-backed groups (who helped them before) arent giving much support now. These groups‚ led by Hezbollah‚ usually have lots of fighters near Aleppo; but Israeli attacks on their bases in Syria made things harder for them
The conflict that started about 13 years ago — killing many and forcing millions to leave their homes — had been quiet lately. But now the front-lines that didnt move much since 2020 are shifting again‚ and no-one knows whats next
