Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

Lavrov states that employing terrorists for geopolitical objectives is unacceptable

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stated that utilizing terrorist groups to achieve geopolitical objectives, as seen with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham faction in Syria, is unacceptable. “We firmly believe that employing terrorists like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham for geopolitical purposes is inadmissible, particularly as it pertains to the current offensive in the Idlib de-escalation zone,” Lavrov remarked on Sunday following discussions with his Iranian and … Continue reading Lavrov states that employing terrorists for geopolitical objectives is unacceptable

White Helmets members work at the scene of what the organisation says is a strike, in Idlib, Syria.

Will the developments in Syria ultimately necessitate a transformation in regional power dynamics?

The recent surge in violence in northwest Syria has thrust Aleppo into the spotlight of renewed conflict, occurring shortly after a ceasefire was declared in Lebanon. This unforeseen escalation signifies the onset of a new wave of violence not witnessed in four years, as a coalition of armed factions, including the Türkiye-supported Syrian National Army and jihadist groups such as the Levant Liberation Organization (previously … Continue reading Will the developments in Syria ultimately necessitate a transformation in regional power dynamics?

White Helmets members work at the scene of what the organisation says is a strike, in Idlib, Syria.

U.S. faces a challenging situation in Syria as rebels make significant gains against the Assad regime

The recent offensive in Aleppo by Syrian rebel factions has placed the United States in a challenging position, as it seeks to navigate its support without fully endorsing either side while maintaining a troop presence of nearly 1,000 personnel in Syria as part of its ongoing campaign against ISIS. On Monday, Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, clarified the US stance regarding the … Continue reading U.S. faces a challenging situation in Syria as rebels make significant gains against the Assad regime

Smoke billows in the aftermath of what the White Helmets say is a strike, in Idlib, Syria.

At least 25 people have died as Russian and Syrian aircraft intensify their bombardment of rebel-held areas in Syria

At least 25 individuals lost their lives in airstrikes conducted by the Syrian government and Russia in northwestern Syria, as reported by the White Helmets, a rescue service operated by the Syrian opposition, early on Monday. Military sources indicated that Russian and Syrian aircraft targeted the rebel-controlled city of Idlib in northern Syria on Sunday, coinciding with President Bashar al-Assad‘s commitment to eliminate insurgents who … Continue reading At least 25 people have died as Russian and Syrian aircraft intensify their bombardment of rebel-held areas in Syria

Who are the insurgents taking over Syria’s second-largest city?

Rebel forces initiated their most significant offensive against the Syrian government in several years on Wednesday. By Sunday, they had secured control over substantial portions of Aleppo, the nation’s second-largest city, and were making progress towards Hama in the south. This unexpected offensive triggered the first Russian airstrikes on Aleppo since 2016, leading to a withdrawal of Syrian military forces from the city. The assault … Continue reading Who are the insurgents taking over Syria’s second-largest city?

White Helmets members work at the scene of what the organisation says is a strike, in Idlib, Syria.

Russian and Syrian aircraft intensify bombardment of rebel-held northwest Syria

Russian and Syrian aircraft targeted the rebel-controlled city of Idlib on Sunday, marking the second consecutive day of heavy bombardment in northern Syria. This military action aims to counter the insurgents who have advanced towards Aleppo, according to sources within the Syrian army. Local residents reported that one of the airstrikes struck a densely populated residential area in central Idlib, the largest city within a … Continue reading Russian and Syrian aircraft intensify bombardment of rebel-held northwest Syria

An anti-government fighter tears down a portrait of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad in Aleppo, after jihadists and their allies entered the northern Syrian city.

The perception of Assad’s control over Syria begins to crumble as Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah lower their defenses

The phrase “Our leader forever” was a common slogan in Syria during the presidency of Hafez al-Assad, the father of the current Syrian president. The notion that the somber and serious Syrian leader would achieve immortality became a source of dark humor among many Syrian in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Hafez al-Assad passed away in June 2000, proving he was not, in fact, … Continue reading The perception of Assad’s control over Syria begins to crumble as Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah lower their defenses

Rebels led by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham drive a military vehicle in al-Rashideen, Aleppo province, Syria.

Syrian military reports that insurgents have infiltrated Aleppo, resulting in the deaths of numerous soldiers

The Syrian military announced on Saturday that rebel forces had taken control of significant areas within Aleppo city during an offensive that resulted in the deaths of numerous soldiers, compelling the army to reposition its forces. This marks the most substantial challenge to President Bashar al-Assad in several years. The unexpected assault, spearheaded by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has disrupted the relatively stable … Continue reading Syrian military reports that insurgents have infiltrated Aleppo, resulting in the deaths of numerous soldiers

Syrian opposition fighters gather at Saadallah al-Jabiri Square, after rebels opposed to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad said they had reached the heart of Aleppo, Syria.

What are the underlying factors contributing to the conflict in Syria?

In recent days, northern Syria has experienced significant hostilities, representing the most severe confrontations since March 2020, when a ceasefire was established with the mediation of Russia and Turkey. On the morning of November 27, anti-government factions initiated an offensive in the Aleppo and Idlib regions. Reports indicate that this operation includes Islamist groups, notably Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is banned in Russia, alongside … Continue reading What are the underlying factors contributing to the conflict in Syria?

Syrian opposition fighters stand in front of University of Aleppo, after rebels opposed to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad said they had reached the heart of Aleppo, Syria.

Russian and Syrian aircraft are reportedly targeting rebel positions in Aleppo

Russian and Syrian military aircraft targeted insurgents in a suburb of Aleppo on Saturday, according to two Syrian military sources. This action followed a surprise assault by rebel fighters who had infiltrated the city’s core the day before. The offensive, led by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, represents a significant challenge to President Bashar al-Assad, disrupting frontlines that have remained largely static since … Continue reading Russian and Syrian aircraft are reportedly targeting rebel positions in Aleppo