The military of Syria has reported that their joint airstrikes with Russia have resulted in the deaths of at least 400 militants in the last 24 hours, coinciding with Vladimir Putin’s reaffirmation of his backing for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
These strikes are being executed as insurgents, spearheaded by the jihadist organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham alongside Turkey-supported forces, initiated a dual-front offensive in Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, on Saturday.
Following this, the rebels advanced into the rural areas surrounding the provinces of Idlib and neighboring Hama.
As stated by Syria’s military, Syrian and Russian airstrikes have predominantly targeted rebel strongholds within these two provinces.
The White Helmets rescue organization, governed by the opposition, announced on Monday that at least 25 individuals, including 10 children, have lost their lives due to strikes conducted by the Syrian government and Russia.
This development follows a telephone conversation between Mr. Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in which they discussed the “escalating situation” in Syria, according to the Kremlin.
Individuals stroll by a damaged location in Aleppo. Pic: Reuters
The duo, long-standing supporters of the Syrian president, deliberated on the “large-scale aggression” exhibited by rebel fighters, viewing it “as an effort to undermine the sovereignty, political, and socio-economic stability of the Syrian state,” as articulated in a statement.
Both Mr. Putin and Mr. Pezeshkian conveyed their “unconditional support” for the Syrian administration, the statement further noted.
In a parallel development, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov informed reporters on Monday: “We will, of course, continue to support (Syrian President) Bashar Assad, maintaining our communications at the proper level and evaluating the situation.”
“A stance will be developed regarding the necessary actions to restore stability.”
In another phone discussion, Mr. Pezeshkian assured Mr. Assad that Tehran is prepared to provide all necessary assistance to counter the insurgency.
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Rebels observed by Aleppo air defence systems
Meanwhile, Syria’s military announced on Monday that government forces were gearing up to encircle rebels in the rural districts of Aleppo, Hama, and Idlib.
In addition, two sources from the Syrian army disclosed to Reuters that Iranian-supported militant groups had infiltrated Syria from Iraq.
These sources reported that the Iraqi militants were progressing northward to reinforce Syrian army units engaged in combat against rebels.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based watchdog focusing on opposition forces, approximately 200 Iraqi militia members, traveling in pickup trucks, crossed into Syria overnight via the strategically important Bou Kamal border point.
They are anticipated to be deployed in Aleppo to aid the Syrian army’s efforts to repel the insurgents, as noted by the observatory.
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Rebels release footage of gun battle at prison
The uprising by the insurgents in the northern regions of the nation represents one of their most formidable attempts in recent years, renewing fears of a resurgence of violence in the Middle East at a moment when US-supported Israel is engaged in conflict with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon—both groups aligned with Iran.
This situation also poses the danger of involving Russia and Turkey—each with vested interests in Syria—in a direct clash.
The progression of the rebels inflicts considerable humiliation on Mr. Assad, occurring concurrently with his allies—Iran and its affiliated groups, alongside Russia—being absorbed in their respective military challenges.
