After years of relative air truce, Russia has struck again with raids on Aleppoin response to the vast offensive launched by rebels in north-west Syria. It is the first time since 2016 that Russian planes have targeted the city, marking a new chapter in the Syrian civil war.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (OSDH) has confirmed that Russian and Syrian fighters have also intensified operations in Idlib, the last rebel stronghold, with 23 air attacks in a few hours. According to the organization, these raids represent a direct response to the advance of jihadists and pro-Turkish forces who have conquered strategic positions near Aleppo.
Rebel offensive and Russian-Syrian response
The rebels, supported by Türkiye, have launched a massive offensive against Syrian government forces. The clashes, which are concentrated in the western area of Aleppo, have already caused 153 deadaccording to a preliminary budget. Pro-Turkish forces are advancing rapidly, while the Syrian army, supported by Russia, attempts to stem the offensive with air and ground bombing.
“Russian and Syrian aircraft targeted strategic rebel-held areas, causing heavy casualties,” an OSDH spokesperson said.
Aleppo, a symbol of the civil war
Aleppo, symbol of the devastation of the Syrian conflict, once again becomes the center of hostilities. Since 2016, the city had remained under government control, while the rebels had retreated to surrounding regions, particularly Idlib. Now, the return of Russian airstrikes represents a change in strategy.
The implications of this escalation are significant: on the one hand, Moscow demonstrates that it is still a key player in the Syrian conflict; on the other hand, the rebel offensive indicates a renewed ability to mobilize anti-government forces, despite the heavy losses suffered in recent years.
An endless conflict
The Syrian conflict, now in its thirteenth year, continues to evolve. While regional and international powers – from Russia to Türkiye – play a crucial role, the civilian population remains trapped in a spiral of violence.
With air raids on Aleppo and Idlib and fighting advancing towards the heart of the north-west, the Syrian war seems far from a solution.