Syrian government forces initiated counterattacks on Sunday against insurgents who have seized much of Aleppo, with Iranian support being pledged to strengthen the Assad regime amid escalating violence. The resurgence of insurgent activity represents one of the most significant setbacks for President Bashar Assad in recent years, further complicating the already volatile situation in the Middle East.
The jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), leading the insurgent coalition, launched a surprise offensive last week, capturing Aleppo and advancing through Idlib and parts of Hama. Airstrikes on rebel positions in Aleppo and Idlib have killed at least 25 people, including women and children, according to the White Helmets.
The insurgents' rapid advances have deeply embarrassed Assad's government, as allies such as Iran and Russia face their own challenges. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi assured Assad of Tehran's support during a meeting in Damascus, although the specifics of this support remain unclear.
The intensifying violence threatens to draw regional powers like Russia, Turkey, and the United States into deeper involvement. Western governments have called for an immediate de-escalation of the conflict and emphasized the need for humanitarian protections, urging a political resolution to Syria's ongoing civil war.
As the fighting escalates, concerns about further displacement and a worsening humanitarian crisis are growing. U.N. envoy Geir Pedersen warned of significant risks to regional stability, calling for renewed diplomatic efforts to address the decade-long conflict in Syria.
(Source: UNB)
BD-Pratidin English/Mazdud
