Quick rebel strike into Aleppo changes Syria's war map for first time in years
Syrian opposition forces made unexpected push into Aleppo‚ breaking years-long stalemate. This first major rebel advance since 2015 brings new phase to the long-running conflict
In an unexpected move last friday‚ opposition forces pushed deep into govt-controlled Aleppo - marking the first rebel presence in syrias biggest city since mid-2010s. The quick-moving operation (led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham militants) caught many observers off-guard
The rebel group‚ which maintains its stronghold in Idlib province managed to break thru defense lines that stood unchanged for almost 9 years. This swift advance represents the most significant shift in the wars front-lines since the conflicts early stages; changing the whole military landscape in northern syria
The sudden push by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham fighters creates new challenges for Bashar al-Assadʼs government which has held firm control over Aleppo since the citys recapture. The operation shows how quickly things can change in this conflict - that started way back in 2011 and has seen many ups-and-downs over the years
The breakthrough puts pressure on govt forces to respond‚ with local sources reporting increased military movement in nearby areas. Its worth noting that this offensive doesnt just affect the immediate region: it impacts the whole power balance in northern syria (where multiple groups maintain different zones of control)
