According to the reports on Friday (29 November), Syrian opposition forces launched a large-scale offensive against government-held areas in northwestern Syria, claiming control of over 15 villages and a military base. The attack, spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), marks a significant escalation in the region, violating a 2019 de-escalation agreement brokered by Turkey, Russia, and Iran. Government forces, supported by Russian airstrikes, responded with heavy shelling, which displaced thousands of families and disrupted critical aid operations.
The violence has caused significant civilian casualties, with activists reporting at least 18 deaths, including children and women, in Aleppo due to Russian airstrikes. The International Rescue Committee stated that over 7,000 families have been newly displaced, while schools and healthcare facilities have suspended services. Opposition factions argue their offensive aims to enable the return of displaced civilians and counter weeks of government bombardment in opposition-controlled areas.
Turkey, which supports opposition forces in Syria, has closely monitored the situation and taken measures to protect its troops. Turkish officials suggested the offensive was a response to failed diplomatic efforts to prevent government attacks and an attempt to restore the boundaries of the de-escalation zone. Meanwhile, ongoing regional tensions, including Israeli strikes on Hezbollah in Syria, have added complexity to the conflict.
The offensive highlights the fragmented nature of the Syrian conflict, with various foreign powers backing different factions. Iran-linked forces, preoccupied with conflicts at home, have reduced their involvement, while Russia and Turkey remain deeply engaged. The escalation underscores the enduring instability in Syria, as opposition forces seek to reclaim lost ground amid intensifying hostilities and humanitarian crises.
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