Syrian Rebel Group Seizes Territory in Northern Aleppo, Dozens Killed

Dozens of Syrian government soldiers and rebel fighters have been killed in heavy clashes in northern Aleppo province, following a major offensive by the Hay’et Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) armed group and its allies, Al Jazeera reports, citing other media.

The fighting has resulted in HTS seizing control of at least ten areas previously held by the Syrian army, according to reports.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a UK-based monitoring group, reported that nearly 100 fighters and soldiers died in Wednesday’s fighting. The observatory’s figures indicate 44 HTS fighters and 16 members of allied groups were killed, alongside 37 Syrian government soldiers, including at least four officers. Five soldiers were also captured. The SOHR further stated that HTS forces seized weapon depots, armored vehicles, machinery, and heavy weapons. Civilians, including children, were also reportedly killed and injured in the fighting, which saw the Syrian army respond with heavy shelling.

A Syrian army source, speaking to Reuters, stated that HTS forces advanced approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the outskirts of Aleppo city, coming within a few kilometers of Nubl and Zahra, two predominantly Shia towns with a significant presence of Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters. HTS also attacked al-Nayrab airport, east of Aleppo, where pro-Iranian forces maintain outposts.

Reuters reported that the HTS offensive was likely a response to recent increased airstrikes by Russian and Syrian forces targeting civilian areas in southern Idlib, as well as a preemptive measure against a reported Syrian army buildup near the front lines.

While Syrian state media remained silent on the fighting, pro-government websites reported that the army had targeted HTS positions, resulting in numerous casualties. Witnesses reported hundreds of families fleeing Aleppo, the last major stronghold for opponents of President Bashar al-Assad, towards the Turkish border.

HTS, designated a terrorist organization by the United States, has been a long-standing target of the Syrian government and Russian forces. However, in recent years, HTS has distanced itself from al-Qaeda and presents a more moderate image, portraying itself as a group with local aims in Syria. It is now the most powerful rebel group in northwestern Syria. Russia’s intervention in the Syrian civil war in 2015 significantly altered the conflict’s dynamics, bolstering President al-Assad’s forces against rebel groups.