Aleppo's resurgence: Rebels strike back after four years
Escalation in the situation in Syria: Rebels attacked Aleppo, the largest city in the country. This is the first such offensive in four years against Bashar al-Assad's regime. NEXTA reports that former Wagner Group members are among the casualties.
Another conflict in the Middle East, which seemed to be subsiding, is bursting anew. Fighting has begun between rebel forces and the government side in Syria, which has been engulfed in conflict for several decades. The Battle for Aleppo—the largest city in the country—is underway.
According to the Reuters, clashes began 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 Organization for the Liberation of the Levant. This Sunni organization is one of the largest opposition forces in Syria.
Latest reports indicate over 130 casualties. The rebels have reportedly managed to take over 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 organization. Experts point out that the anti-government side decided to attack because the allies of the regime in Damascus are weakened. Russia is engaged in conflict in Ukraine, while Hezbollah has been weakened 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 yet unconfirmed information, dozens of members of the Wagner Group, disbanded after the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, were killed during the rebels' offensive, and Russian weapons and transport have been captured. Anti-government forces are also destroying everything related to Bashar al-Assad and Russia.
The situation is difficult enough that the President of Syria is heading to Vladimir Putin for consultations. The unexpected rebel attack completely surprised him.
The war in Syria - the conflict continues
Let's recall that the war in Syria has been ongoing since 2011. It all began with protests fueled by events known as the Arab Spring. They were brutally suppressed by al-Assad's regime, leading to a civil war and the territorial division of the country into many parts. In 2014, the Islamic State (ISIS) emerged, taking control of a significant area of Syria and Iraq.
Powerful nations began to get involved in the conflict. Russia and Iran sided with the Syrian dictator. The rebels, including the Kurds, were supported by the United States, France, and Israel. Ultimately, it was possible to suppress the ISIS forces, although its remnants are still trying to regroup in the Middle East, Africa, and online.
Al-Assad's regime managed to stabilize the situation in the country, especially with Russia's help. The authorities in Damascus regained control over most of the country. However, the conflict has now flared up again. According to estimates, the war in Syria has already claimed over half a million lives. The country is in ruins—international organizations speak bluntly of a humanitarian disaster.
