Syrian opposition forces have launched a bold offensive in the Aleppo province, achieving swift advances against Syrian government forces and their Iranian allies. The operation, named “Response to the Aggression,” aims to counteract the Assad regime’s brutal bombardment of civilian areas in northwestern Syria, which has left a trail of destruction and displacement.
The surprise attack began early Wednesday, spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and supported by select factions of the Turkey-backed Syrian National Army (SNA). Within hours, the rebels seized strategic locations, including the vital Base 46 and nearby villages, disrupting regime supply lines and establishing a foothold near Aleppo city. Videos shared on social media depict jubilant fighters reclaiming territories, with one declaring, “Anjara is ours, not the Assad family’s.”
A Crumbling Regime
This operation highlights the vulnerabilities of Bashar al-Assad’s forces, which have relied heavily on Russian air power and Iranian-backed militias to maintain control. As regional dynamics shift, Assad’s military machine has been exposed as incapable of standing on its own. Lieutenant Colonel Hassan Abdul Ghani, a rebel leader, emphasized this point, stating, “Without their allies, the Syrian troops are nothing.”
The offensive has already delivered significant blows to the regime. Reports indicate that 12 tanks were destroyed and numerous positions abandoned. The strategic nature of these gains cannot be overstated, as they disrupt the Assad regime’s ability to launch attacks on Idlib’s besieged civilians.
Regional Shifts Favor the Opposition
The timing of this offensive is no coincidence. Geopolitical factors, including escalating conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, have weakened Assad’s key backers, Hezbollah and Iran. Israel’s strikes on Iranian targets in Syria have further eroded Tehran’s ability to bolster Assad’s regime. Meanwhile, Turkey’s restrained stance on this operation underscores the growing discontent with the de-escalation agreements that have failed to protect Idlib’s civilians.
A senior SNA leader described the operation as a “golden opportunity” to capitalize on the chaos among Assad’s allies. “There is an international situation that favors this battle,” the leader said. “We are capable of changing the equation.”
The Stakes for Aleppo
Aleppo, Syria’s industrial capital, remains a potent symbol of the revolution. Its ruins bear testament to years of brutal siege and bombardment by Assad’s forces, aided by Russia and Iran. While half of the city is now a shadow of its former self, rebel leaders have made clear that Aleppo remains central to their aspirations.
“Our eyes are on Aleppo,” a senior SNA leader declared. “The future developments will determine the outcome.”
The ongoing offensive represents not just a military operation but a renewed assertion of hope and resilience by Syria’s opposition. It is a reminder of the revolution’s origins—a struggle for dignity and freedom against a regime notorious for its crimes against humanity.
