Syrian rebels have seized much of Aleppo, the country’s second-largest city, following a surprise offensive, according to CNN.
The rebel coalition, including Islamist and moderate factions, broke years of stalemate by advancing from surrounding villages and capturing key locations within the city. This marks the first time rebels have controlled parts of Aleppo since its fall to government forces in 2016.
The Syrian army offered minimal resistance, while Kurdish forces expanded their hold in some neighborhoods. Russian airstrikes have since targeted rebel positions. The coalition, led by the “Military Operations Command,” aims to reclaim territories from President Bashar al-Assad’s regime and Iranian-backed militias.
Analysts warn the escalation could destabilize the region further, reigniting international proxy conflicts in Syria’s long-standing war.
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