This is why civil war breaks out again

In a short period of time, the rebels captured most of the Syrian city of Aleppo. Syrian government forces are withdrawing. What does the country's fiercest fighting in years mean?

After a few years, the war in Syria broke out again. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an Islamist rebel alliance now has full control of the large city of Aleppo.

Real-time quotes include the latest developments:

The move apparently also surprised President Bashar al-Assad's government. Experts spoke of a dramatic incident in the nearly 14-year-old war. But what exactly is happening in Syria? Overview:

Which group attacked Aleppo?

The militants are part of a rebel alliance led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). It is considered the controlling force in northwest Syria, having pushed back most insurgents and rebel groups in the region during the Syrian civil war.

HTS originates from the Nusra Front, which is considered an offshoot of the terrorist group Al Qaeda. Although HTS officially announced its break with Al Qaeda many years ago, the organization still adheres to the jihadist ideology. The United States lists HTS as a terrorist organization. Experts speculate that tens of thousands of militants belong to the rebels.

The Syrian military said the rebels were backed by “thousands of foreign terrorists” and were advancing with heavy weapons and a large number of drones. Dozens of government soldiers were killed. Due to the large number of attackers and numerous battle lines, it was decided to retreat and prepare for a counterattack.

Why is the conflict breaking out again now?

There are several factors that have led to the blitz happening now. The most important factor may be the weakening of Syrian President Bashar Assad's allies in the region: Russia and Iran are Syria's main backers and helped Assad push back the rebels several years ago. But both countries are now embroiled in other conflicts and are therefore weakened.

Russia is fighting in Ukraine, while Iran is weakened by Hezbollah's conflict with Israel in Lebanon. In addition, the rebels appear to have been preparing for a prolonged attack. They use heavy weapons and sometimes drones to be able to advance so quickly.

Syrian opposition fighters stand on a Syrian government tanker in Aleppo.Image: trapezoid

A spokesman for one of the rebel groups told the dpa news agency that the operation was so swift and successful because of the “collapse of pro-Iranian militias” in Syria. Iran-backed militiamen abandoned their positions, leaving the Syrian army alone to fight the rebels.

However, Syria's ruler announced a counterattack: Assad told United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Sajid Al Nahyan that with the help of allies and friends, Syria could strike back, the state broadcaster reported. Retreat from terrorist attacks. . Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will discuss the situation in Aleppo with his Syrian counterpart in Damascus later today, the Iranian News Agency reported.

How do experts assess the situation?

In light of the expected counteroffensive, Middle East expert and author Daniel Gerlach fears a new round of fighting in Aleppo could turn bloody again. “This will again cost a lot of lives,” he told the German news agency.

Gerlach believes it is possible for the government to regain the upper hand. Assad’s allies Iran and Russia are weakened or do not have the same capabilities as before. Nonetheless, the Syrian government has forces capable of conducting urban warfare. He said that in recent years, the strategy of withdrawing first and then using experienced troops to counterattack has become common.

An air strike in Idlib on Sunday killed eight people. On Sunday night, Russian warplanes launched attacks in Idlib, Hama and Aleppo provinces.Image: trapezoid

Heiko Wieman of the International Crisis Group think tank, the German news agency, said much now depends on the performance of Assad's ally Russia. “Assad may not be able to retake Aleppo without significant Russian air support,” Wieman explained. In this case, the rebels may make further gains. But Russia has invested too much in Assad to give up on him now.

The Russian Air Force launched another attack on Aleppo for the first time since 2016. Air strikes continued on Sunday, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. They also attacked places in the Idlib region and central Hama province. The group is based in the UK and obtains its information from a network of local informants. Syrian civil defense activists, also known as the White Helmets, reported that the airstrikes killed at least four civilians and injured 54 others.

Assad's second ally, Iran, is on the defensive, Wieman continued. It is believed that the rebels have apparently recognized that Iran's current weakening represents a good opportunity.

What parties are involved in the conflict in Syria?

In 2011, Syrian President Assad brutally suppressed demonstrations during the so-called Arab Spring. The protests quickly grew into mass protests and eventually led to conflicts and proxy wars involving the international community. Syria is backed by Russia and Iran, and pro-Iranian militias such as Hezbollah also support the Syrian government.

Opposition fighters take control of the town of Maarat al-Numan. Image: trapezoid

There are different forces within the rebel group, the most powerful of which is the Islamic HTS. In addition, U.S.-backed Kurdish forces control much of northern Syria, including along the border with Türkiye. Türkiye has occupied Syria's northern border areas through several military operations and cooperated with rebel groups. Israel has also recently carried out multiple air strikes on Syria, including Lebanese Hezbollah militants. This also further exacerbates the weakness of the Syrian government.

Why is Aleppo important?

Aleppo is Syria's second largest city and the largest metropolis in the north of the country. It has long been Syria's economic center and an important hub. There is also a symbolic figure. Rebels have long controlled Aleppo. In December 2016, the Syrian government retook the city with Russian help. Much of Aleppo was destroyed and rebels left the city for Idlib province. The recapture of Aleppo in 2016 is considered a key turning point in Syria's civil war, after which government forces regained control of about two-thirds of the country.

Aleppo in northern Syria has about 2 million residents. Image: trapezoid

The current rebel offensive could also be a turning point. The insurgents have shown that they are still capable of military success despite years of setbacks. The offensive demonstrates the current weaknesses of the government and its allies. The decisive factor will be whether the rebels can hold the city and how well Iran and Russia support Syria.

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Syrian government forces have lost control of Aleppo. The rebels are also said to have entered Assad's luxury villa.

Syria is currently experiencing its most intense fighting since 2020. The rebels captured the large city of Aleppo in a short period of time. The Syrian government has lost control of the region for the first time since the civil war broke out in 2011.