Syrian rebels strike Aleppo as tensions resurface
Increasing tension in Syria. Rebels have launched an attack on Aleppo, the largest city in the country. This marks the first such offensive in four years against Bashar al-Assad's regime. NEXTA reports that former Wagner Group members are among the deceased.
Another conflict in the Middle East, which seemed to be calming down, is reigniting. Fighting has erupted between rebel forces and the government in Syria, a country embroiled in war for several decades. The Battle for Aleppo—the largest city in the country—is ongoing.
According to the Reuters, clashes started on Wednesday. On one side is Bashar al-Assad's regime and his soldiers. On the other side is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Organisation for the Liberation of the Levant. This Sunni group is one of the largest opposition forces in Syria.
The latest reports indicate over 130 casualties. The rebels have reportedly succeeded in capturing a key military base. HTS explains their actions by stating that since the beginning of the year, up to 80 civilians have died due to drone attacks in areas controlled by the organisation. Experts suggest that the anti-government forces decided to attack because the regime's allies in Damascus are weakened. Russia is engaged in Ukraine, while Hezbollah has been significantly impacted by Israel.
Former Wagner Group members die in Aleppo
NEXTA reports that despite Russia's lack of involvement in the current phase of the conflict, its citizens are dying in battle. According to unconfirmed information, dozens of former Wagner Group members, from the group disbanded after Yevgeny Prigozhin's death, were killed during the rebels' offensive, and Russian weapons and transport have been captured. Anti-government forces are also destroying anything associated with Bashar al-Assad and Russia.
The situation is dire enough that the President of Syria is heading to Vladimir Putin for consultations. The unexpected rebel attack caught him completely off guard.
The war in Syria - the conflict continues
Let's recall that the war in Syria has been ongoing since 2011. It began with protests fuelled by the Arab Spring. These were brutally suppressed by al-Assad's regime, resulting in a civil war and territorial division of the country. In 2014, the Islamic State (ISIS) emerged, seizing control of significant areas of Syria and Iraq.
Powerful nations began intervening in the conflict. Russia and Iran supported the Syrian dictator. The rebels, including the Kurds, received backing from the USA, France, and Israel. Ultimately, it was possible to suppress the ISIS forces, although remnants are still attempting to reorganise in the Middle East, Africa, and online.
Al-Assad's regime has managed to stabilise the situation in the country, especially with Russia's assistance. The authorities in Damascus regained control over most of the country. However, the conflict has now reignited. It is estimated that the war in Syria has already claimed over half a million lives. The country is in ruins—international organisations speak bluntly of a humanitarian disaster.
