Renewed Hostilities in Syria: Iran-Backed Forces Support Assad Amid Rebel Offensive

Iran-backed militias have entered Syria amid escalating conflict as rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, launch a significant offensive, capturing Aleppo. Russian and Syrian airstrikes have reportedly killed at least 25 civilians, despite claims of targeting insurgent strongholds. The renewed hostilities raise concerns about the regime’s stability and civilian safety in a war that has persisted for over a decade.

Iran-backed militias have re-entered Syria to support President Bashar al-Assad amid a renewed conflict with rebel forces, as reported by army officials. An escalation of violence has been observed, with recent airstrikes by Russian and Syrian jets resulting in the deaths of at least 25 individuals in northwestern Syria. This surge in military activity follows a significant rebel offensive in Aleppo, where the jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham seized extensive territory, raising alarms about the regime’s ability to maintain control.

Military analyst Sean Bell noted Russia’s crucial role in propping up Assad’s regime, highlighting that Moscow’s involvement has shifted focus from Ukraine to support Syrian government forces amid pro-opposition advances. The current battleground reflects Pentagon intelligence indicating focused assaults against rebel brigades, with Iranian groups like Kataib Hezbollah and Fatemiyoun reportedly assisting joint operations with the Syrian army.

The rebel offensive has prompted fierce airstrikes and ground attacks in response. Reports indicate that areas within Idlib, largely populated by displaced civilians, have been endangered, amplifying the humanitarian crisis in the region. As both Syrian and Russian forces deny civilian-targeted airstrikes, the situation remains dire for those caught in the crossfire, with rescue agencies like White Helmets documenting the aftermath of the attacks.

Both sides seem entrenched in renewed hostilities, with the Syrian regime vowing to restore stability and territorial integrity against perceived threats.

The ongoing Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, has devolved into a multifaceted conflict involving various local and international actors. Initially sparked by anti-government protests, the situation escalated into a protracted war, leading to significant humanitarian and geopolitical ramifications. Russia and Iran have emerged as key allies to the Assad regime, helping to repulse rebel advances and assist in military operations aimed at stabilizing the government. The resurgence of fighting in Aleppo illustrates the fragility of previous ceasefires and the unpredictable nature of warfare in the region, particularly amidst shifting international priorities and alliances.

The latest developments in Syria illustrate a concerning resurgence of violence and a significant shift in the dynamics of the conflict. The re-entry of Iranian-backed fighters into Syria and the overwhelming rebel offensive signals a precarious situation for President Assad’s regime, undermining its stability. The situation poses further challenges for the civilian population, already suffering from years of war, as airstrikes continue to escalate, leading to civilian casualties and uproar within communities. The long-standing conflict remains unresolved, suggesting that decades of suffering may persist as both sides navigate this renewed phase of warfare.

Original Source: news.sky.com