Beirut (Lebanon) Web Desik Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has described a recent Islamist-led rebel offensive as an attempt to reshape the region’s borders in alignment with U.S. interests. Speaking during a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Assad’s remarks coincided with deadly airstrikes by Syrian and Russian forces on territories controlled by Islamist and Turkish-backed rebels.
The offensive, spearheaded by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies, recently led to their capture of Aleppo city, except for Kurdish-held areas. The city, a historic hub home to two million people, had experienced intense fighting earlier in the conflict but had not been fully overtaken by rebels until now. HTS, an alliance led by Al-Qaeda’s former Syrian branch, coordinated the operation with other factions under a unified command structure.
As airstrikes by Syria and Russia targeted areas in Idlib province, reports indicated civilian casualties, including children. The attacks struck displaced families near a refugee camp, exacerbating the humanitarian toll of the conflict. Meanwhile, both Russia and Iran reaffirmed their support for Assad, emphasizing their longstanding military and advisory roles in Syria.
Syria’s civil war began in 2011 when Assad’s government violently suppressed pro-democracy protests. The conflict has since evolved into a complex war involving regional and global powers, displacing millions and leaving hundreds of thousands dead. The recent escalation highlights ongoing instability despite the Syrian government regaining control over much of the country in previous years.
The renewed violence also underscores shifting dynamics: Russia’s military presence in Syria appears less dominant, potentially limiting its ability to respond swiftly to rebel advances. Analysts suggest that this offensive reveals vulnerabilities within Assad’s regime. Meanwhile, Kurdish-led forces in Aleppo province are relocating civilians to safer areas amidst attacks from pro-Turkish factions.
As the international community, including the U.S. and European nations, calls for de-escalation and civilian protection, the situation remains fluid. Rebel advances and regional power shifts continue to shape the trajectory of Syria’s enduring conflict.
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