Memahami Perang Suriah: Apa yang Terjadi, Siapa yang Terlibat?

Summary

The Syrian civil war, which erupted in 2011, saw Aleppo become a symbol of the opposition’s progress until 2016, when government forces backed by Russia seized it. However, on November 27, 2024, rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched an offensive, reclaiming territory in Aleppo and Idlib in retaliation for recent government airstrikes. HTS, a group with roots in al-Qaeda, has undergone significant shifts, including distancing itself from al-Qaeda in 2016. The group's growing resolve to challenge President Assad signals a renewed intensification of the conflict in Syria.

Takeaways

• 😀 The civil war in Syria reignited on November 27, 2024, when rebel forces launched an attack, marking the first time opposition forces recaptured Aleppo since 2016.
• 😀 The Syrian civil war began in 2011 when rebels seized the eastern part of the city, with Aleppo becoming a symbol of opposition progress until 2016.
• 😀 In 2016, government forces, supported by Russia, besieged Aleppo with airstrikes, leading to the surrender of rebel forces after years of siege.
• 😀 The 2024 conflict escalated when Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a major rebel group, launched an attack in retaliation for recent government strikes on Idlib's cities.
• 😀 HTS's offensive involved the seizure of multiple towns and villages in Idlib, as well as attacks within Aleppo, including bombings and clashes with government forces.
• 😀 The rebel group HTS, which initially operated under the name Jabhat al-Nusra, had ties with Al-Qaeda before separating in 2016 and forming HTS.
• 😀 HTS's leader, Abu Muhammad al-Golani, has publicly pledged to target Western forces, seize property from religious minorities, and enforce strict religious laws on women.
• 😀 Golani distanced HTS from Al-Qaeda in 2016, dismantling the group's religious police and seeking to position himself as a protector of other religions in the region.
• 😀 Previously, HTS did not show signs of reigniting the large-scale Syrian conflict or challenging President Assad’s authority, but recent actions indicate a shift towards broader conflict.
• 😀 The ongoing rebellion and territorial gains by HTS and other rebel factions have prompted responses from Syrian and Russian forces, seeking to recapture the lost areas.

Q & A

What event triggered the renewed conflict in Syria in November 2024?

The renewed conflict in Syria began on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, when rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, launched an attack on government-held areas. This marked the first time since 2016 that opposition forces retook territory in Aleppo.

How did Aleppo become a symbol of the opposition forces' progress during the Syrian civil war?

Aleppo became a symbol of the opposition forces' progress after rebels seized the eastern part of the city in 2012. It represented a major achievement for the opposition until 2016, when Syrian government forces, with Russian support, began to encircle the city.

What happened in Aleppo in 2016 that changed the course of the war?

In 2016, Syrian government forces, supported by Russian airstrikes, besieged Aleppo. The opposition forces, trapped in the city, ultimately decided to surrender, marking the fall of Aleppo to the Syrian government after four years of fighting.

What triggered the attack on Idlib and Aleppo by rebel forces in 2024?

The attack by rebel forces in 2024 was a retaliation for recent airstrikes by the Syrian government on cities in Idlib, including Ariha and Sarmada, which had caused significant destruction.

Which group is leading the rebel forces in the recent attacks on Aleppo and Idlib?

The rebel forces in the 2024 attacks on Aleppo and Idlib are led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group with a complex history in the Syrian conflict.

What was the original name of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and what is its connection to Al-Qaeda?

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham was originally known as Jabhat al-Nusra and was an affiliate of Al-Qaeda. Its leader, Abu Muhammad al-Golani, has a long history of opposing Western forces and promoting strict religious policies.

What significant change did HTS undergo in 2016?

In 2016, Abu Muhammad al-Golani decided to sever ties with Al-Qaeda and founded Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. This marked a shift in the group's identity and strategies, including the dissolution of religious police forces in their controlled areas.

What actions has HTS taken to present itself as a protector of religious minorities?

HTS has made efforts to portray itself as a protector of religious minorities by taking actions such as disbanding extremist groups within its ranks and claiming to safeguard the rights of non-Muslim communities in areas under its control.

How has HTS's approach to the Syrian conflict evolved over time?

HTS initially refrained from actively enlarging the conflict or challenging President Assad's government. However, in recent years, the group has started to escalate its actions, showing more determination to confront Assad's regime and expand the scope of the Syrian civil war.

What role do foreign powers like Russia play in the Syrian civil war?

Russia plays a crucial role in supporting the Syrian government forces, particularly through airstrikes. Russian involvement has been decisive in helping President Assad regain control of key areas like Aleppo, and Russia continues to be involved in military operations in the region.