Russia Pledges Military Assistance to Assad as Syrian Opposition Enters Aleppo, Reuters Reports

The Syrian conflict has intensified as opposition forces launched a major offensive in Aleppo, marking the most significant escalation in the region in recent years. Syrian government forces confirmed that dozens of soldiers were killed, and opposition fighters, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, gained control of key areas within the city.

According to Reuters, government troops were ordered to withdraw from critical parts of Aleppo following a rapid advance by opposition forces. The rebels have reportedly taken control of more than 70 towns and villages in Aleppo and Idlib’s countryside in recent days, culminating in their entry into Aleppo, which they had been pushed out of in 2016.

Military sources indicate that Russian and Syrian airstrikes have targeted rebel positions in Aleppo’s outskirts to prevent the establishment of fixed opposition bases within the city.

The Kremlin has expressed its commitment to supporting the Syrian government. According to sources cited by Reuters, Russia has pledged additional military assistance, with new equipment expected to arrive within 72 hours. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the rebel offensive as a violation of Syrian sovereignty, reiterating Moscow’s support for the current Assad regime.

The Syrian opposition attributes their campaign to heightened airstrikes by Russian and Syrian forces in the rebel-controlled Idlib province, which have intensified in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Turkey, a key backer of opposition groups, has denied involvement in the offensive. Turkish officials emphasized their intent to avoid further destabilization in the region, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urging adherence to de-escalation agreements.

This resurgence of hostilities represents the first large-scale ground operation since the truce established in March 2020. It also highlights ongoing volatility in Syria, where international alliances continue to shape the course of the conflict.