Islamist rebels have breached neighborhoods in Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, and clashed with government forces after setting off two car bombs. This incident, reported by the Syrian Observatory of Human Rights and The Associated Press, has drawn international attention back to the country’s ongoing civil war. The rebels launched a surprise offensive, capturing towns and villages as they advanced towards Aleppo, marking the first time they have besieged the city since 2016.
The rebels, led by the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, seem to have gained momentum due to the weakened presence of Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah. Witnesses reported civilians fleeing amid gunfire and missiles, with the rebels urging cooperation from the city’s residents. Syrian armed forces are fighting back, with the government successfully regaining control of some areas.
At least 121 people, including 20 civilians, have been killed since the start of the rebel offensive, with reports of insurgent-fired projectiles hitting student accommodations at Aleppo University. The Syrian civil war began in 2011 with protests against President Bashar al-Assad’s rule, leading to a brutal crackdown and ongoing violence supported by Iran and Russia. This situation is still developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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