(DailyAnswer.org) – Islamic militants seized control of Aleppo this week in a swift and unexpected offensive that left the Syrian regime scrambling. The capture marks a stunning reversal for a city the Assad government, with help from Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah, struggled for years to reclaim back in 2016.
Reports from The Wall Street Journal reveal that it took Assad’s forces and their allies more than four years to expel militants from Aleppo after heavy fighting. Yet, in a matter of days, the city was retaken, including areas that had previously remained under firm government control. This article details the rapid pace and scale of the takeover, which caught many by surprise.
The White House pinned this failure on the Assad regime’s refusal to pursue peace as outlined in U.N. Security Council Resolution 2254. “The Assad regime’s reliance on Russia and Iran has led to this collapse,” the White House said in a statement. The U.S., however, distanced itself from the offensive, emphasizing that Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a recognized terrorist group, spearheaded the attack. Further analysis suggests that the involvement of HTS marks a critical shift in the dynamics of the conflict.
The Biden administration called for a halt to violence, urging protection for civilians and minorities. The statement stressed the need for a political solution to Syria’s civil war, one that would bring lasting peace. U.S. officials also vowed to defend American military personnel stationed in the region, warning against the resurgence of ISIS.
The fall of Aleppo reflects the ripple effects of broader regional conflicts. To the north, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has drained Moscow’s military focus and resources in Syria. Meanwhile, Hamas’ assault on Israel has ignited a multi-front Middle Eastern conflict. Coverage from Al Jazeera highlights how these interconnected crises are reshaping the region.
Israel’s actions have further weakened forces aligned with the Assad regime. Targeting the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Hezbollah across Syria and Lebanon, Israel has inflicted devastating losses. Analysts report that Hezbollah, a critical ally of Assad, has been gutted, with most of its leadership eliminated and its weapons stockpile destroyed.
Navvar Şaban, a researcher on Syrian conflict dynamics, highlighted the consequences of Hezbollah’s decline. “The vacuum left behind is enormous. Regime forces in Aleppo lacked proper training, strategy, and discipline. Their retreat was chaos.”
Aleppo’s sudden fall underscores the fragility of Assad’s rule and the interconnected nature of global conflicts. Whether this marks the beginning of broader shifts in Syria’s decade-long war remains to be seen.
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