Fresh fighting near Aleppo breaks longest peace period in Syria's conflict
North-western Syria sees first major territorial changes since the 2020 peace deal. Rebel groups captured multiple towns near Aleppo while Russia backs government forces with air-strikes
In a sudden break of a long-standing quiet period militant groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham moved into north-western Syria this week‚ taking over several towns in Aleppos region (which hasnt seen such changes since the Russia-Turkey peace deal about 4 years ago)
The attack started on 11/27/24 when rebels pushed into govt-controlled areas making it the first big land-grab since early-2020. Russian and Syrian air-force responded next day with strikes on rebel positions near the Turkish border; showing their commitment to defend Assadʼs rule
Dmitry Peskov the Kremlins main speaker made Moscows position clear: this attack breaks Syrian control over its land and needs quick fixing. Russia – which has kept military bases in Syria since their entry into war about 9 years back – stays a key helper of the Damascus govt
The whole thing puts pressure on the peace deal made between Russia and Turkey: while Moscow supports President Assad‚ Ankara backs some rebel groups. Both countries agreed to stop fighting in 03/2020 which led to a rare long peace in Syriaʼs most active rebel area
- An air-base in western Syria
- A navy port on Mediterranean coast
- Multiple military advisor groups
- Air-defense systems across the country
When asked about rumors that Assad flew to Moscow for emergency talks with Putin‚ Peskov just said he had nothing to say about it
