Syrian rebels in the last opposition-held enclave in northern Syria launched a large-scale military offensive against government forces on Wednesday, marking the first major territorial gains in years. The assault, led by the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), overran at least ten areas in northwestern Aleppo province.
The rebel forces advanced nearly 10 k.m. (6 miles) from the outskirts of Aleppo city, reaching within a few kilometers of Nubl and Zahra, two Shi’ite towns with a strong militia presence from Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah. They also attacked Al-Nayrab airport, located east of Aleppo, where pro-Iranian militias maintain significant outposts, an army source reported.
This offensive marks the first substantial territorial advance since March 2020, when a ceasefire brokered by Russia and Turkey temporarily halted large-scale military action in Syria’s northwest. The ceasefire had previously frozen conflict lines in the region, which remains the last major stronghold of opposition forces in the country.
Rebel Gains
The rebels captured several towns in northwestern Aleppo, including Qabtan al-Jabal, Urma al-Sughra, Anjarah, Bala, Jamiyat al-Maari, al-Salloum, and Hawar. However, fierce clashes continue in other areas. Kfar Bissin and Al-Shaykh Aqil remain contested, with heavy resistance reported on the outskirts of Urma al-Sughra. The advance has stalled at Anadan, where Iranian-led units of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) have fortified positions in strategic hills northwest of Jamiat Nur. In Kafr Naha, the Assad regime retains control of the southern part of the city, resisting rebel incursions.
Notably, Abu Obeida, the military chief of HTS’s Northern Storm Brigade, was killed in intense fighting with soldiers from the SAA’s 46th Regiment in western Aleppo. His death marks a significant blow to the HTS offensive, which appears to be encountering increasing resistance.
Rebel Motivations
Rebel leaders have stated that the operation is a response to intensified airstrikes by Syrian and Russian forces in southern Idlib, which have targeted civilian areas in recent weeks. The campaign is also seen as a preemptive measure against a suspected Syrian army offensive, as government troops have been amassing near rebel frontlines.
In retaliation, the Syrian army has launched heavy bombardments on rebel-held areas, including Idlib city, Ariha, Sarmada, and other towns in southern Idlib province. Pro-government media claimed that dozens of HTS fighters were killed in these counterattacks.
The renewed violence has triggered a fresh wave of civilian displacement. Witnesses reported hundreds of families fleeing to safer areas near the Turkish border, seeking refuge from the escalating conflict.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, classified as a terrorist organisation by the United States, remains a dominant force in Syria’s northwest, competing with Turkey-backed rebel groups that control areas along the Turkish border. The group has long been a target of Syrian government and Russian forces.