The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on Friday that the ongoing battles in the north, since Wednesday, have resulted in the deaths of at least 242 people, the majority of whom are militants, in light of a continuing military escalation between the armed factions and the Syrian army forces.
These battles are considered the “most violent” in the region in years, according to the Observatory, and are taking place in areas approximately 10 kilometers from the outskirts of Aleppo, the largest city in northern Syria.
On Friday, fighters of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham and its allied factions arrived on the outskirts of Aleppo.
The director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Rami Abdel Rahman, told AFP that “the fighting has now reached the city of Saraqeb,” which is under regime control, adding that if the militants where able to control it, this could erase the regime’s gains in the region for five years.
He explained that the militants “have now taken control of about 50 towns and villages” in the Idlib and Aleppo governorates, pointing out that “it is strange to see regime forces receiving such strong strikes despite Russian air cover and early indications that Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham will launch this operation.”
The militants bombed Aleppo for the first time in four years and targeted the university city there, killing four civilians, according to the official SANA agency.
The attack, which was described as the most violent in years, exacerbated the conflict in the region. Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham is considered one of the most powerful armed militias in northwestern Syria.
Along with 83 dead, they were “62 members of the regime forces, 6 armed men from pro-iranian militias of Syrian nationality, and 15 dead of different nationalities, including an Iranian advisor.”
20 civilians were also killed as the start of the operation: a child by ground bombing, and 19 by Russian air strikes, including 4 children and 3 women.
The militants also cut off a main road linking the Syrian capital to Aleppo, according to the Observatory. The Observatory indicated that the militants were advancing towards the city of Aleppo, the capital of the province of the same name.
Earlier Thursday, the Syrian army issued a statement confirming that the Syrian armed forces continue to confront a large-scale terrorist attack launched by terrorist organizations in the Aleppo and Idlib countryside, where the army inflicted heavy losses in equipment and lives.
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How is the humanitarian situation in northern Syria affected by the ongoing violence and military actions?
Interview with Rami Abdel Rahman, Director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights
Date: October 6, 2023
Editor: Today, we are joined by Rami Abdel Rahman, the director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, to discuss the escalating violence in northern Syria, especially around Aleppo and Idlib. Thank you for being here, rami.
Q: rami, can you summarize what has been happening in the northern region of Syria in recent days?
A: Certainly. The last few days have seen some of the most intense fighting in years. Since Wednesday, at least 242 people have lost their lives, with the majority being militants involved in battles against the Syrian army. The clashes are occurring just 10 kilometers from Aleppo, which is the region’s largest city.
Q: What are the implications of Hay’at Tahrir al-sham reaching the outskirts of Aleppo?
A: The arrival of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham to the outskirts of Aleppo is meaningful. It places them in a strategic position to possibly overtake Saraqeb, a city currently under regime control.If they succeed, it could reverse five years of gains made by the government forces in this area. the fighting has shifted the balance of power, and this threat to Saraqeb could have far-reaching consequences for the Syrian government.
Q: You mentioned the involvement of various forces. Can you elaborate on the casualties and the ongoing dynamics?
A: Yes,the casualties reflect the chaotic nature of this conflict. The recent battles lead to 83 of the dead being members of the regime forces,along with pro-Iranian militia members and some foreign nationals,including an Iranian advisor. Civilians are also suffering; 20 have been reported killed, with children among the casualties due to intensified attacks. This situation emphasizes the ongoing humanitarian crisis within Syria and how civilian populations are deeply affected.
Q: How has Russian air support impacted the current military dynamics between the factions?
A: Interestingly, the fighting has continued to escalate despite Russian air support for the regime. It’s somewhat unexpected to see the regime forces taking such heavy losses under these circumstances. The presence of Russian air cover has generally provided a safety net for the regime, but these recent developments suggest that the military might not be as secure as initially thought.
Q: The Observatory has reported significant territorial gains by militants. Can you specify what regions are currently under their control?
A: Currently, militants have gained control over around 50 towns and villages across the Idlib and Aleppo governorates. This level of control demonstrates the striking capability of these armed factions, notably Hay’at tahrir al-Sham, which is one of the most powerful groups in northwestern Syria at this time.
Q: What should readers understand about the long-term implications of this conflict?
A: The long-term implications are severe. As violence escalates, regional stability is further threatened, and the humanitarian conditions worsen. This conflict not only devastates local communities but also has a ripple effect,impacting the geopolitical landscape in the region. It is critical for the international community to pay attention to these developments and understand their broader implications.
Q: Lastly, what can be done to address the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis?
A: Addressing the violence requires a multi-faceted approach. Diplomatic pressure must be increased on all involved parties to prioritize a ceasefire and engage in peace talks.Humanitarian aid must also be accessible to those affected, especially civilians caught in the crossfire. sustained international attention and involvement could promote a more stable and peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Editor: Thank you for your insights,Rami. Your expertise is invaluable in clarifying the current situation in northern syria and its implications for the region.