Armed group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has claimed to re-enter the city of Aleppo, marking an escalation in Syria’s ongoing conflict, however, most of them have been arrested in Aleppo, as per Syrian military.
“The army has arrested a number of terrorists who took photos in several neighborhoods of Aleppo to show that terrorist groups have seized and controlled these neighborhoods,” Syrian military has claimed.
The offensive, which began two days ago, saw heavy clashes between HTS militants and Syrian government forces, as reported by Türkiye’s Anadolu Agency.
“Since this morning, armed groups have seized over 50 villages in the eastern and southeastern regions of Idlib, areas that were previously controlled by the Assad regime,” the report added.
HTS had announced on Friday that its fighters had penetrated multiple neighborhoods in Aleppo, a city under Syrian government control since 2016.
The Syrian Army has stated that their armed forces fought fierce battles against HTS at various points of engagement extending over a strip exceeding 100 km to stop their advance.
“During the battles, dozens of our armed forces were martyred and others were injured,” the statement read.
“With the continued flow of terrorists across the northern borders and the intensification of military and technical support for them, terrorist organizations were able, during the past hours, to enter large parts of Aleppo city neighborhoods without being able to establish their positions due to the continued targeting of our armed forces with concentrated and strong strikes, until the arrival of military reinforcements is completed and distributed on the fighting axes in preparation for a counterattack,” the Syrian military said.
Meanwhile, social media footage reportedly showed HTS militants advancing through the city, utilizing armored vehicles and heavy weaponry.
In their assault, the jihadists claimed to have seized approximately 400 square kilometers of territory across Aleppo and Idlib provinces, capturing significant military hardware from Syrian forces.
Syria’s Defense Ministry confirmed counteroffensives, stating that its troops had regained control over key positions and inflicted heavy losses on the militants.
According to the ministry, “hundreds” of HTS fighters were killed or injured during the clashes, which involved drones and foreign militants within HTS ranks.
Syrian and Russian forces have launched coordinated airstrikes targeting HTS positions, with Russian officials claiming to have eliminated over 400 combatants in Aleppo and Idlib.
Before rebranding in 2017, HTS operated as Jabhat al-Nusra, an affiliate of Al Qaeda, and was a significant force opposing President Bashar Assad, believed to be backed by America and it’s allies.
The group asserts it does not threaten Western interests in Syria, however, Damascus has consistently accused Western nations of aiding terrorist factions liKe HTS within Syria.
The situation remains volatile as government forces vow continued action to repel the offensive and secure contested areas.
Escalation of Hostilities in Northwestern Syria: Key Findings and Flash Report:
– Over 70% reported their properties were damaged or destroyed.
– Children and adolescents are the most affected group without civil documentation.
– Key protection risks include denial of services, exploitation and abuse, and homelessness.
– Top intersectoral needs are shelter, food, and cash assistance.
Since the night of November 26, hostilities in northwestern Syria have intensified, particularly in Idleb and western Aleppo. Shelling, airstrikes, and clashes have led to significant shifts in control among conflicting parties.
– 14,000 people displaced in just three days following 125 attacks.
– Key areas of expulsion: Atareb, Sarmin, Taftanz, Ariha, Saraqeb, Bennesh, Ehsem, Kafr Nobol.
– Main reception areas for internally displaced persons include:
– Idleb Governorate: Dana, Harim, Salqin, Maaret Tamsrin, Jisr Ash Shogur, Darkosh, Armanaz, Idleb City, Jandiris.
– Northern Aleppo: Afrin, Azaz.
The Protection Cluster has emphasized the urgent need for coordinated humanitarian aid to address escalating displacement and protect vulnerable populations.