In a dramatic turn of events in Syria's long-running civil war, Turkish-backed rebel forces have captured the strategic city of Aleppo following a swift offensive that began on November 27. The operation was reportedly conducted by fighters who received specialized training from Ukrainian military advisors.
The rebel coalition, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has seized over 20 villages and settlements in the broader Aleppo region. According to multiple sources, members of Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) provided operational training to the rebel groups, focusing on drone warfare and tactics developed during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The rapid advance caught Syrian government forces off guard, leading to what official sources called "a tactical withdrawal" from central Aleppo. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) simultaneously launched an assault from the east, taking control of the international airport.
Reports indicate that Russian special forces suffered casualties in an ambush on Aleppo's outskirts, with rebels displaying captured Russian military equipment and weapons. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported at least 40 civilian casualties from Russian retaliatory airstrikes on the city.
The offensive appears to have been emboldened by Russia's recent redeployment of forces from Syria to Ukraine. In response to the rebel advances, Moscow is reportedly preparing to transfer additional military assets to Syria, including Su-34 fighter aircraft from its western regions.
The Turkish government's apparent shift in policy toward allowing HTS to launch major operations has been identified as a key factor in the offensive's success. The Assad regime, which had maintained tenuous control over much of Syria with support from Russia and Iran, now faces its most serious challenge in years.
As fighting continues, the Syrian military claims to be preparing a counteroffensive. However, analysts suggest this may prove challenging given the weakened state of Assad's forces and reduced support from traditional allies.
The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for regional stability and the broader geopolitical landscape. The U.S. has not officially commented on the developments, despite maintaining a military presence in northeastern Syria.