Rebels Seizing Control of Syria’s Aleppo: Who Are They?
Rebels seizing control of Syria’s Aleppo marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The surprise offensive, led by the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has seen the capture of large parts of Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city. This attack has reignited fighting in a war that once seemed to be winding down.
Who Are Hayat Tahrir al-Sham?
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is a jihadist group that originated as Jabhat al-Nusra, an Al Qaeda affiliate, in 2011. By 2016, HTS broke ties with Al Qaeda and rebranded itself, merging with other militant factions. Today, HTS dominates the northwestern Idlib province and governs with a fundamentalist Islamic agenda.
Despite claiming independence from global jihadist networks, HTS remains a controversial actor in the Syrian conflict. The group’s offensive on Aleppo has underscored its continued ambition to challenge President Bashar al-Assad’s rule.
The State of Control in Syria
Syria remains fractured among different powers:
- Government Forces: Assad controls major cities and central areas.
- Kurdish Areas: Autonomous regions in the east operate independently.
- Islamic State Remnants: IS holdouts still threaten security in rural areas.
- Idlib Province: Dominated by HTS, with ongoing unrest.
Aleppo, a city historically symbolic of rebellion, had been under government control since 2016. The recent HTS attack has disrupted this status quo, raising concerns about renewed conflict in Syria.
Why Is This Significant?
The offensive in Aleppo highlights shifting dynamics in Syria’s war. HTS’s success may embolden other rebel groups, destabilizing regions long considered secure under Assad’s control. Furthermore, the role of external actors like Russia and Iran—historically allied with Assad—adds complexity to the conflict.
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