الأسد ينهار... المعارضة تدخل قلب حلب وروسيا تتبرأ من القتال سوريا تشتعل من جديد

Summary

In a significant shift in the Syrian conflict, opposition forces launched a major offensive in western Aleppo in November 2024, surprising the Syrian regime and its allies. Led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, along with groups like the Syrian National Army, the attack resulted in the capture of dozens of villages and towns, nearing Aleppo city. The operation aimed to counter intense Syrian and Russian airstrikes while reclaiming opposition-held territories. Despite Turkey’s cautious stance, the operation’s success signals a new phase in the Syrian war, marked by unexpected coordination and the use of advanced weaponry by the opposition.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Syrian opposition launched a major offensive in western Aleppo on November 1st, marking one of the most intense attacks in years.
• 😀 The offensive was led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Army of Glory, Ahrar al-Sham, and smaller groups backed by Turkey, targeting regime positions.
• 😀 Despite heavy backing from Russia and Iran for the Syrian regime, Russian air support during this offensive was notably minimal compared to previous operations.
• 😀 Turkey, while monitoring the situation closely and raising military readiness, has not officially endorsed the opposition’s actions, distancing itself from direct involvement.
• 😀 The opposition forces achieved significant territorial gains, capturing key sites such as the 46th Regiment and the town of Khan al-Assal, vital for controlling access to Aleppo city.
• 😀 The opposition cut off important supply lines, including the road to Om Homs, which is crucial for the regime and Iranian militias operating in the region.
• 😀 For the first time, the opposition demonstrated enhanced coordination and military sophistication, operating under a unified command and using advanced tactics like drones and night-vision technology.
• 😀 Casualties were significant, with the opposition claiming over 200 regime deaths and more than 20 opposition casualties, signaling the intensity of the battles.
• 😀 The opposition seized a range of military equipment, including tanks, armored vehicles, and missiles, bolstering their capabilities for future operations.
• 😀 The operation raises broader questions about the future of Syrian territory control, as the opposition's momentum suggests a potential shift in the regional balance of power and pressure on the Assad regime.

Q & A

What was the main focus of the military operation discussed in the transcript?

The main focus of the operation was a surprise offensive launched by opposition forces in Syria aimed at regaining control over areas in the western countryside of Aleppo from the Syrian regime.

Which opposition groups participated in the attack on Aleppo?

The key opposition groups involved were Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Army of Glory, and Ahrar al-Sham, with additional participation from independent units of the Syrian National Army.

What was the outcome of the operation in terms of territorial gains?

The opposition forces successfully captured over 40 villages and towns, including key locations like the 46th Regiment, Khan al-Asal, and the strategic village of Zarbah.

What was the significance of the opposition cutting off the 'Um Khamsa' road?

The opposition cutting off the 'Um Khamsa' road was significant because it was a major supply route for the Syrian regime and Iranian militias, thus weakening the regime's logistical support.

How did the Syrian regime respond to the offensive?

The Syrian regime suffered significant losses, with over 70 soldiers reported killed. The opposition claimed the actual death toll for the regime was over 200, including high-ranking commanders.

Why was the operation considered a major development in the Syrian conflict?

The operation was a major development because it represented the first large-scale offensive in the region since 2020 and signaled a shift in the balance of power, with the opposition regaining ground from the regime.

What role did Russian air support play in the operation?

Russian air support was notably weaker than expected, with less involvement compared to past operations where Russian airstrikes were crucial in supporting the regime. This shift raised questions about Russia's role in the conflict.

What was the strategic importance of the opposition's use of new weapons during the operation?

The opposition's use of new weapons, such as drones and night vision devices, demonstrated significant advancements in military technology, contributing to the success of the offensive and allowing them to carry out more coordinated and effective attacks.

How did Turkey respond to the operation?

Turkey maintained a neutral stance, stating that the operation was carried out by opposition factions and not directly supported by Turkey. However, Turkey did raise its military readiness in the region.

What impact did the operation have on the broader Syrian conflict?

The operation marked a turning point in the Syrian conflict, signaling that the opposition was still capable of challenging the regime and potentially reshaping the power dynamics in northern Syria.