The Islamist alliance Levant Liberation Association and other Turkish-backed opposition factions managed to enter two neighborhoods on the outskirts of the northern syrian city of Aleppo on Friday after a three-day offensive against regular Syrian troops, it said. an NGO.
The syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the armed factions ”managed to enter the limits of the neighborhoods of Hamdaniya and New Aleppo”, in the west of the city, where the rebels carried out “a double suicide attack” with two car bombs . .
“Our forces are entering the Hamdaniya neighborhood and the New Aleppo neighborhood and continue to advancewith God’s help,” the insurgents’ Military operations Administration announced on its Telegram channel, asking citizens to “cooperate” to “expel” Syrian President Bashar al Assad’s army.
According to the UK-based Observatory and a large network of collaborators on the ground, “violent clashes” occurred between the two sides “after the advance of large numbers of members of the Levant Liberation Organization and factions towards the city” of Aleppo.
Hours earlier,fighting had occurred just outside the northern Syrian city,where The insurgents took control of the scientific research Center.
The Syrian Army and Armed Forces Command said in a statement that its soldiers deployed in Aleppo and neighboring Idlib – the last opposition stronghold in the country – “continue to face serious attack launched by armed terrorist organizations.” .
He also accused the “Nusra terrorist Front” – as the Organization for the Liberation of the Levant was previously known – of using heavy and medium weapons, drones and “large foreign terrorist militia groups” in their offensive to capture Aleppo.
“Our armed forces were able to inflict heavy losses on the attacking groups, causing hundreds of deaths and injuries, destroying dozens of armored vehicles and managing to shoot down and destroy 17 drones,” said the Syrian army, which It added that it continues to reinforce “all points” to repel attacks.
According to the note, regular troops also recovered some areas occupied by Turkish-backed armed factions – supporters of the Syrian opposition – after the Observatory reported that more than 50 cities are under rebel control after three days of non-stop fighting previous five years.
According to the Observatory, at least 255 people have died since the outbreak of violence on Wednesday, including 24 civilians – most due to bombing by Russia, an ally of Damascus -, 144 opposition fighters and 87 soldiers from the Syrian army and of allied groups.
the Levant Liberation Organization controls a large part of the nearby province of Idlib, where a ceasefire agreed between Turkey and Russia has been in force since 2020, although the persistence of attacks by Al Assad’s army would have been the trigger for the offensive by the armed factions.
How do the tactics employed by the Levant Liberation Institution differ from those of the Syrian government forces?
Interview: Insights on the Recent Violent Escalation in Aleppo with Dr. Amina Hazari,Middle East Conflict Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Hazari. Thank you for joining us to discuss the recent offensive in Aleppo, where armed factions have made important advances against Syrian government forces. Can you provide us with a brief overview of the current situation?
Dr.Amina Hazari: Thank you for having me. The situation in Aleppo has escalated dramatically over the past few days. The Islamist alliance known as the Levant Liberation Organization, along with othre Turkish-backed factions, has successfully entered the neighborhoods of Hamdaniya and New Aleppo. This marks a notable shift after a three-day offensive against the Syrian army, featuring violent clashes and significant loss of life on both sides.
Time.news Editor: The article mentions a double suicide attack using car bombs. What does this signify in terms of military strategy and tactics employed by the insurgents?
Dr. Hazari: Such tactics are indicative of a desperate and aggressive approach to destabilize government control in these areas. By conducting suicide bombings, the insurgents aim to create panic, disrupt command structures, and inflict maximum casualties on regular troops. This type of strategy often targets key infrastructure and personnel, which they believe is essential for maintaining control over the region.
Time.news Editor: The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports that at least 255 individuals have died due to the clashes. Can you discuss the implications of these casualties for the civilian population in Aleppo?
Dr. Hazari: The toll on civilians is dire. With 24 civilians among the dead and many more likely displaced due to the violence, the humanitarian crisis intensifies. The continuous bombardment—much of it attributed to Russia’s support of the Syrian government—exacerbates this issue. Local communities already suffering from years of conflict now face increased instability and insecurity, making it tough for them to rebuild and recover.
time.news Editor: Given the involvement of various factions and foreign influences, how do you see this conflict evolving in the near future?
Dr. Hazari: The conflict in Aleppo reflects broader geopolitical dynamics, especially the role of Turkey and russia. The ceasefire established in 2020 is increasingly under pressure, and the persistent attacks by Assad’s regime are likely to provoke further offensives by opposition groups. If the situation escalates further, we may witness a broader regional conflict involving more external players seeking strategic interests in Syria.
Time.news Editor: The Levant Liberation Organization controls a significant portion of Idlib.What do you think is the operational strength of this group relative to the Syrian army and its allies?
Dr. Hazari: The Levant Liberation Organization is well entrenched in Idlib and has seen substantial reinforcement. However, the Syrian army, bolstered by Russian airpower and Iranian support, remains a formidable opponent. The recent reports of heavy losses inflicted on the insurgents show that while the opposition has tactical advantages, particularly in urban warfare, the Syrian army still holds operational capabilities that can negate some of these gains.
Time.news Editor: In terms of practical advice for international stakeholders and humanitarian organizations, what should they prioritize in light of this escalating conflict?
Dr. Hazari: first and foremost, humanitarian organizations must focus on delivering aid to affected civilian populations who are caught in the crossfire.Advocacy for ceasefire negotiations and de-escalation should be prioritized as well. Additionally, engaging local stakeholders and offering support to rebuild communities can foster stability in post-conflict scenarios. International players must also recognize the implications of their actions and seek to reduce tensions rather than exacerbate them.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Hazari, for your valuable insights into this complex situation in Aleppo. Your expertise sheds light on the implications of this conflict and the human toll it continues to take.
Dr. Amina Hazari: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to keep raising awareness about these pressing issues and advocate for the protection of civilians in conflict zones.
Keywords: Aleppo, Levant Liberation Organization, Syrian army, conflict escalation, humanitarian crisis, Turkish-backed factions, military strategy, civilian population, geopolitical dynamics
