In a significant turn of events, Syria’s military has announced a temporary withdrawal of troops from Aleppo following a surprise attack by rebel groups, marking the first major assault on government-held positions in the city in years. The offensive, led by the Hay’et Tahrir al-Shams (HTS) group, has resulted in fierce clashes, with dozens of soldiers killed or injured in the past few days.
On Saturday, the Syrian military released a statement confirming the withdrawal, stating that the decision was made after heavy fighting with armed opposition groups in the Aleppo and Idlib regions. The statement also mentioned that the military was regrouping and redeploying troops to fortify its defensive positions in preparation for a counterattack. The conflict has spanned a 100 km (60 miles) stretch across the two governorates.
The military’s announcement was the first public acknowledgment of HTS fighters’ successful entry into significant parts of Aleppo’s neighborhoods, a major breakthrough since the last rebel withdrawal nearly a decade ago. Reports from Aleppo described the city as being under rebel control in certain areas, with fighters reportedly combing the streets for soldiers. Some civilians, who had fled the violence in previous years, expressed relief and happiness at the prospect of returning to their homes.
The assault has escalated tensions in the region, marking the most intense fighting in northwestern Syria since 2020. That year, Russia and Turkey brokered a ceasefire deal, which resulted in the Syrian government regaining control over many areas previously held by opposition forces. However, the surprise attack from HTS fighters has now opened the door for further shifts in territorial control.
The rebels have reportedly seized control of several towns and villages in Aleppo and Idlib, with the Syrian military acknowledging heavy losses. Rebel forces also captured the Abu al-Duhur airbase in Idlib, a strategically important site. Syrian authorities responded by closing Aleppo’s airport and canceling all flights as a security measure.
Experts suggest that the timing of the offensive may have been influenced by regional instability, including the distractions faced by Hezbollah and Iran due to ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. This has allowed opposition forces to make rapid gains.
The central and northwestern parts of Aleppo, areas never before captured by rebels, are now fully under their control. The HTS group, considered a terrorist organization by Syria, the U.S., and Russia, has emerged as the most powerful opposition faction in northwestern Syria, especially after taking control of much of the Idlib province near the Turkish border.
The question now remains whether the Syrian government, supported by Russia and Iran, will allow HTS to maintain control of Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, or if they will retaliate to regain lost ground. The situation continues to unfold, with tensions running high and military operations intensifying.
