ALEPPO, Syria – Syrian opposition forces led by the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have captured significant portions of Aleppo, the nation’s second-largest city, marking the most substantial territorial loss for President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in years. The surprise offensive, launched on Wednesday, saw rebels sweep through northwestern Syria before breaching Aleppo’s outskirts and advancing into the city center by Friday.
The rebels faced minimal resistance as government forces, including Russian-backed units, appeared to retreat en masse, leaving behind large caches of weapons, including tanks, armored personnel carriers, and artillery. Key installations, such as the historic Aleppo Citadel, the police headquarters near Central Park, and the Al-Sabil temporary prison—where political prisoners were held—are now reportedly under rebel control.
#Syria BREAKING: victory in #Aleppo has been declared
The #FreeSyria flag is being waved in the citadel of Aleppo! pic.twitter.com/PNhF8RlUsP
— Thomas van Linge (@ThomasVLinge) November 29, 2024
Rebels have broken into and freed all of the Prisoners at the Al-Sabil Temporary Prison in Northwestern Aleppo, most of whom are Women and Political Prisoners of the Assad Regime. pic.twitter.com/b99Xbl5yxN
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) November 29, 2024
Government forces reportedly abandoned strategic positions, including Al-Hamdaniya and New Aleppo neighborhoods, after twin car bombings by HTS fighters shattered their defenses. Russian and Syrian warplanes launched retaliatory airstrikes on rebel positions in Idlib but failed to stem the insurgents’ advance. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that 255 people, including 24 civilians, have died in the past three days of fighting.
The Kremlin condemned the rebel advance as a violation of Syria’s sovereignty, pledging support for Damascus. Meanwhile, Iran reiterated its backing of Assad’s forces, describing the offensive as a conspiracy orchestrated by the United States and Israel. Turkey, which supports Syrian opposition groups, has called for calm and demanded an end to airstrikes in the region.
The fighting has caused significant displacement, with over 14,000 residents fleeing Aleppo and surrounding areas, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Shelling in Aleppo killed four civilians, including two students at the city’s university. Russian and Syrian warplanes launched intense airstrikes in response, targeting rebel-held areas in Idlib and Aleppo provinces with over 23 raids, killing at least 24 civilians and wounding dozens.
HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Joulani has instructed commanders to safeguard civilians and ensure humane treatment for surrendering forces, a pledge accompanied by assurances to protect the rights of minorities, including Christians. The remark surprised international observers, as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has previously been linked to extremist groups including Al-Qaeda.
Syrian Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) Leader Abu Mohammed al-Joulani instructs commanders to protect civilians and ensure fair treatment for surrendering soldiers. pic.twitter.com/LAM5UwS4sl
— Clash Report (@clashreport) November 29, 2024
Rebel forces celebrated their victory by removing regime flags and statues associated with the Assad family, with footage showing jubilant fighters parading through the city. Meanwhile, Turkey-backed paramilitary groups and other opposition factions have joined the offensive, marking unprecedented unity among northern Syria’s rebel forces. TAnalysts have expressed surprise at the rapid advances, with some noting that mapping the new frontlines has become a challenge due to the speed of developments.
#BREAKING – Massive celebrations in the centre of #Aleppo city, Northern #Syria, right now, after Syrian armed opposition (#HTS/#SNA) liberated the city center and forces Assad regime forces (#SAA) to retreathttps://t.co/c2tbiNq14v pic.twitter.com/LWK8g4QytS
— The Global Eye (@TGEThGlobalEye) November 29, 2024
Absolutely historic footage from #Aleppo tonight.
Rebel forces reached the statue of Bashar’s deceased brother Bassel al-Assad at the eastern edge of the New Aleppo district, taking down the regime flag.#Syria. pic.twitter.com/oacvTCwIZM
— Thomas van Linge (@ThomasVLinge) November 29, 2024
The Syrian National Army (SNA), another faction funded by Turkey, and other opposition forces in northern Syria have issued a call for the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Kurdish elements in northern Aleppo to immediately evacuate their positions. This demand comes amid the SNA’s ongoing offensive against the Assad regime’s Syrian Arab Army (SAA). With some analysts believing they intend to encircle remaining Assad forces in Aleppo.
Iran-backed militias, traditionally instrumental in defending government-held territory, have reportedly been preoccupied with domestic challenges, weakening the regime’s frontline defenses. The insurgents’ rapid gains have emboldened opposition leaders, who promise to restore Aleppo to “the ranks of the revolution.”
