Jihadist factions in Syria, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, are gaining ground against President Assad’s forces, notably capturing parts of Aleppo with little resistance. The situation has escalated, resulting in over 320 deaths, including civilians. Russian airstrikes target rebel positions, while Iranian officials claim the offensive is part of a US-Israeli agenda, which the US denies. Assad’s regime faces increasing pressure amid rising violence and potential uprisings, despite ongoing support from allies.
Jihadist Advances in Syria Intensify Pressure on Assad
The jihadist factions in Syria are making significant strides, intensifying their pressure on government forces. President Bashar al-Assad is counting on support from his allies, yet they appear to be in a weakened state.
According to activists, the coalition led by the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has successfully expanded its control in Syria. Reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, based in the UK, indicate that rebels have seized a considerable portion of the populous city of Aleppo, including its airport, facing minimal resistance from the Syrian military.
Strategic Gains and Civilian Impact
In Aleppo, government institutions and prisons are now under the jihadists’ influence, as noted by the observatory. In an effort to safeguard the local population, the jihadists imposed a curfew expected to last until Sunday afternoon. However, the claims made by activists have not been independently verified.
To counter the rebel offensive, Russian fighter jets have begun their intervention. The ongoing clashes represent the most intense fighting Syria has seen since 2020, with over 320 fatalities reported, including 44 civilians.
HTS, viewed as an evolution of the Al-Nusra Front—a former offshoot of Al-Qaeda—has rebranded itself since 2016, distancing itself from its past. Despite this separation, HTS continues to adhere to a Salafist-jihadist ideology, as highlighted by the US think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
The current situation is creating considerable strain on Assad’s regime, with experts suggesting that the timing of the jihadist offensive takes advantage of the vulnerabilities faced by Assad’s allies, notably Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, who are all engaged in various conflicts.
Despite these challenges, Assad remains resolute, asserting that Syria is capable of thwarting terrorist incursions with support from its allies. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is also scheduled to meet with his Syrian counterpart in Damascus to discuss the escalating situation in Aleppo.
The uptick in violence is linked to Assad’s weakened state, as noted by Middle East analysts, with indications of a significant uprising brewing against his regime.
Meanwhile, Russian airstrikes continue across northwestern Syria, particularly in Idlib and Hama, with reports of civilian casualties emerging. Moscow has confirmed its targeting of rebel positions to reinforce the Syrian government, stating that the operation to counteract extremist aggression is ongoing.
In a recent conversation, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed concerns regarding the escalating conflict while assuring continued support for Syria. In contrast, Iranian officials have alleged that the rebels’ actions are part of a US and Israeli strategy to undermine regional stability—a claim that the US has firmly denied, emphasizing that it has no involvement in the offensive.