Syrian Rebels Seize Control of Aleppo, Airport Closed
Syrian rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have captured key locations in Aleppo, including the ancient Citadel and Saadallah al-Jabri Square. In response, the Syrian government closed Aleppo International Airport and pledged resistance, supported by Russia. Humanitarian concerns grow as intense fighting traps civilians amid rising casualties.
HASSAN BENYOUB 
In a significant development, Syrian rebels have announced that they have reached the ancient Citadel of Aleppo, a strategic location in the heart of the city. The rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have also claimed control of Saadallah al-Jabri Square, a key location in the city.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the rebels have taken control of more than half of the city without encountering significant resistance. The Syrian government has responded by closing Aleppo International Airport and canceling all flights.
https://x.com/oufkir_mohammed/status/1862614323106922886
Rebel Advance
The rebel advance began on Wednesday, with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other opposition groups launching a surprise attack on government-held villages and towns in Aleppo province. The rebels claimed to have reached the city of Aleppo on Friday, after being forced out nearly a decade ago.
https://x.com/FEweZ9x1XJWkz3z/status/1862607392220823953
Russian Support
Russia has pledged to provide military support to the Syrian government to help repel the rebel attack. Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Kremlin, stated that Russia views the rebel attack as a violation of Syria's sovereignty and is urging the Syrian government to take swift action to restore order.
Syrian Government Response
The Syrian government has vowed to continue resisting the rebel attack, with the army claiming to have inflicted significant losses on the rebels in Aleppo and Idlib provinces.
Humanitarian Concerns
The conflict in Aleppo has raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in the city, with thousands of civilians trapped in the crossfire. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has reported that at least 200 rebels have been killed in the past 24 hours, with the Syrian government claiming to have made significant gains against the rebels.
Table: Timeline of Events
Date
Event
Wednesday
Rebel groups launch surprise attack on government-held villages and towns in Aleppo province
Thursday
Rebels claim to have reached the city of Aleppo
Friday
Rebels announce control of Saadallah al-Jabri Square and the ancient Citadel of Aleppo
Saturday
Syrian government closes Aleppo International Airport and cancels all flights
List: Key Players
- Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)
- Syrian Government
- Russian Government
- Syrian Observatory for Human Rights
Conclusion
The situation in Aleppo remains fluid, with the Syrian government and rebel groups engaged in intense fighting. The international community is watching the situation closely, with concerns about the humanitarian impact of the conflict. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the fate of Aleppo hangs in the balance.
