Syrian President Bashar al-Assad sought support from his allies on Sunday after a shocking rebel offensive left government forces losing control of Aleppo for the first time since the civil war began over a decade ago.
The Islamist-dominated alliance, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), launched a major attack on Wednesday, coinciding with the start of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. HTS and allied factions now control most of Aleppo, with Kurdish forces holding a few neighborhoods, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Damascus to reaffirm Tehran’s backing for Assad’s regime. Following their talks, Assad underscored the importance of allied support in combating “foreign-backed terrorist attacks.” Araghchi is also set to meet Turkish officials in Ankara to discuss the escalating situation.
Syrian and Russian forces carried out airstrikes in Aleppo and Idlib over the weekend, killing at least 21 civilians, the Observatory reported. Russia’s military confirmed its involvement, claiming to have struck rebel strongholds and supply convoys.
The rebel advance represents a significant blow to Assad’s forces, which had recaptured Aleppo in 2016 with Russian and Hezbollah support. Analysts suggest the regime’s weakened position and limited Russian resources have left it vulnerable.
The recent clashes have claimed over 412 lives, mostly combatants, with dozens of towns in northern Syria falling under rebel control. Parallel to HTS’s offensive, pro-Turkey factions launched attacks on Kurdish forces, capturing the strategic town of Tal Rifaat.
The United States and European allies have called for de-escalation, emphasizing the urgent need for a political solution under UN Resolution 2254. UN envoy Geir Pedersen warned that the latest developments pose grave risks to civilians and threaten regional stability.
