On a chilly November evening, the ancient streets of Aleppo came alive again—not with the hum of its once-thriving markets, but with the sound of gunfire and battle cries. For the first time in nearly a decade, rebel forces had reclaimed significant ground in Syria’s largest city.
Strategic military posts fell one after another as opposition fighters imposed curfews and secured neighborhoods. Aleppo, the city that had become a symbol of Syria’s pain, was now a battleground for its future.
Already dubbed as a country for tourists to avoid, this resurgence of rebels in Aleppo has sent shockwaves through a conflict-weary nation. These developments not only challenge the fragile grip of Assad's regime, they also mark a new chapter in the ever-evolving Syrian Civil War. Who are these fighters reigniting the flames of resistance? What does their advance mean for Syria, and how did we arrive at this pivotal moment?
The Context of the Syrian Civil War: From Hope to Horror
Ruins from the Syrian civil war | Unsplash
To understand the stakes in Aleppo, we need to revisit the roots of the Syrian conflict—a story that began with hope and spiraled into despair.
In 2011, inspired by the Arab Spring sweeping across the Middle East, Syrians took to the streets demanding political reforms and an end to corruption. Peaceful demonstrations quickly swelled into nationwide protests. But rather than heed the calls for change, President Bashar al-Assad responded with brutal force: protesters were arrested, tortured, and killed. What began as a cry for democracy turned into a bloody civil war.
The conflict became a chaotic patchwork of alliances and enmities. On one side was Assad, backed by Russia and Iran, determined to maintain his family's decades-long rule. On the other were rebel factions ranging from pro-democracy groups to Islamist militias like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Adding to the complexity were Kurdish forces, ISIS insurgents, and international players such as Turkey and the United States, each pursuing their own agendas.
Amid this chaos, Aleppo emerged as a critical prize. Once Syria’s economic heart, the city was split into two: the west controlled by government forces and the east by rebels. In 2016, after months of siege, Assad’s forces recaptured Aleppo, signaling a major victory. But this year’s rebel offensive has turned the tables once again, challenging Assad’s perceived dominance.
The Rebels in Aleppo: A Fractured Resistance with a Shared Goal
Rebels have seized the control of the city of Aleppo | YT
The latest offensive in Aleppo is led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group that evolved from al-Qaeda’s Syrian affiliate. Though HTS has distanced itself from its extremist roots, it remains a hardline Islamist faction with significant influence in Idlib province. Their disciplined operations and strategic alliances have made them a formidable force against Assad.
HTS isn’t alone. They’re bolstered by Turkish-backed factions who bring manpower, resources, and tactical expertise. Together, these groups have exploited gaps in government defenses, capturing airports and key supply routes. But while they share a common enemy, their differing ideologies and ambitions could pose challenges for long-term unity.
The Recent Offensive: A City in Flux
On November 27, 2024, Aleppo erupted as rebel forces launched a surprise attack. The offensive was swift and coordinated, overwhelming government troops who had grown complacent in their hold over the city.
Within days, rebels seized control of vital military installations, cutting off supply chains and isolating Assad’s forces in key neighborhoods. Reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that this was the most significant loss for Assad in Aleppo since 2016. Over 300 lives were lost in the fighting, with countless more civilians caught in the crossfire.
But the rebels’ success isn’t just about firepower. It’s also about perception. By taking Aleppo, they’ve sent a clear message: Assad’s grip on power is far from absolute.
External Players: Friends or Foes?
The battle for Aleppo isn’t fought in isolation. Syria’s war has always been a geopolitical chessboard, and this offensive is no different.
Russia, Assad’s staunchest ally, has been instrumental in propping up his regime. However, with its military resources stretched thin following its invasion of Ukraine, Moscow’s ability to support Assad is waning. This has emboldened rebel groups to test the regime’s defenses.
Meanwhile, Turkey’s role is both pragmatic and self-serving. Ankara has historically supported rebel factions to counter Kurdish influence near its border. While Turkey hasn’t directly intervened in Aleppo’s recent clashes, its backing of certain factions underscores its vested interests in Syria’s territorial outcomes.
Implications for Assad’s Regime
For Assad's regime, the loss of Aleppo is more than a military setback—it’s a symbolic blow. The city represents a cornerstone of his narrative of strength and control. Losing it again calls into question his ability to maintain Syria’s fractured unity.
Analysts warn that Aleppo’s fall could trigger wider instability. Rebel victories might inspire other opposition groups to escalate attacks in regions like Hama and Latakia. Assad’s forces, already stretched thin, face the daunting task of reclaiming lost territory while safeguarding other key areas.
The Humanitarian Fallout: Civilians Pay the Price
As bombs fall and frontlines shift, Aleppo’s civilians bear the brunt of the violence. Families who rebuilt their lives after 2016 now find themselves fleeing once again. Hospitals are overwhelmed, water supplies are cut off, and food shortages loom large.
Aid organizations warn of a looming crisis. Resources are already strained, and international attention is limited as global powers focus on other conflicts. For Aleppo’s residents, survival is a daily struggle, with no clear end in sight.
The Bottom Line: A City at the Crossroads of Conflict and Hope
The Citadel of Aleppo, Syria | Yay Images
As rebels in Aleppo stake their claim and Assad's regime fights to reassert control, the stakes couldn’t be higher. And one question looms large: what does victory look like in a war where everyone has already lost so much?
For the people of Aleppo, survival has become its own kind of triumph. But without a broader resolution to the Syrian Civil War, each gain—whether for rebels or the regime—feels perilously temporary, a fleeting respite in an unending storm.
The world watches, as it has for over a decade, a mixture of indifference and impotence. Aleppo’s fate reminds us that in war, there are no true victors—only survivors left to piece together what remains. As the city’s story unfolds, its future hangs in the balance: will it be a beacon of resilience or a stark reminder of all that has been lost?