The Renewed Struggle Over Aleppo: A Chapter in Syria’s Ongoing Conflict
Opposition forces recently launched a surprise offensive in Aleppo, challenging the established power dynamics and drawing renewed attention to Syria’s persistent war.
On Wednesday, opposition fighters infiltrated areas controlled by the Syrian regime, catching Bashar al-Assad’s government, its allies, and much of the global community off guard. The resurgence of airstrikes by Syrian and Russian forces in the northwest marks a significant escalation in the conflict, which many had assumed was largely dormant since a 2020 ceasefire.
Is This Fighting Linked to Syria’s Civil War?
Absolutely. Syria’s 2011 revolution aimed to overthrow Bashar al-Assad but ultimately failed. The regime relied on support from Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah to suppress the uprising. Meanwhile, extremist groups like ISIL and al-Qaeda gained a foothold in the chaos, alongside new factions such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which spearheaded the recent attack.
Numerous factions have emerged over the years, fighting the regime and, at times, each other. By 2016, most were driven into the Idlib region after being expelled from Aleppo. HTS, formed in 2017 through a merger of groups including Jabhat al-Nusra, became the dominant force in Idlib, where it governs through the “Syrian Salvation Government.” Although HTS claims to have severed ties with al-Qaeda, its origins remain a point of contention.
The Devastating Toll of War
The Syrian conflict has been catastrophic. The United Nations estimates that between 2011 and 2021, over 306,000 civilians lost their lives. The war displaced more than half of Syria’s pre-war population of 21 million, with chemical weapons, barrel bombs, and other brutal tactics employed against civilians. ISIL exploited the chaos, establishing a self-proclaimed “caliphate” in Raqqa in 2014 before being defeated in 2017.
Syria’s unrest was fueled by economic struggles and a lack of freedoms. However, the government’s violent response to peaceful protests in March 2011, inspired by uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, pushed demonstrators toward armed resistance. Environmental factors, such as a severe drought from 2007 to 2010, also played a role, exacerbating urban poverty and social tensions.
International Involvement
Foreign powers have significantly influenced Syria’s war. Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah supported Assad, while nations like Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the United States backed various opposition groups. Turkey, sharing a border with northern Syria, launched military operations targeting ISIL and Kurdish factions. Israel also conducted airstrikes against Hezbollah and regime-linked targets.
The international community initially condemned Assad’s actions, with several nations severing ties and Syria losing its Arab League membership in 2011. The rise of ISIL prompted the formation of a global coalition that supported the Syrian Democratic Forces in defeating the group.
In recent years, efforts to normalize relations with Assad gained momentum, especially following the devastating 2023 earthquake that struck Syria and Turkey. Countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE restored diplomatic ties, and Syria rejoined the Arab League in May 2023. However, the recent escalation in violence may hinder these diplomatic efforts, as Assad faces renewed criticism for refusing to engage in meaningful negotiations with the opposition.
