Syria’s new government is facing significant backlash after announcing changes to the national school curriculum. Critics are raising concerns over what they see as an Islamist influence being introduced into education, including alterations to religious and historical content.

Key Changes in the Curriculum

The changes, which were shared on the Ministry of Education’s official Facebook page, include several controversial amendments:

1. Religious Language Modifications:
   • The phrase “path of goodness” has been replaced with “Islamic path.”
   • The statement “those who have are damned and have gone astray” has been altered to “Jews and Christians”, referencing an ultra-conservative interpretation of a Quranic verse.
2. Definition of “Martyr”:
   • The term “martyr” is now defined as someone who sacrificed themselves “for the sake of God,” as opposed to the previous definition of someone dying “for the homeland.”
3. Content Removal:
   • Entire chapters have been removed, including one on “the origins and evolution of life.”

These changes would impact students aged 6 to 18, but it is unclear whether they have already been implemented across schools.

Public Outrage and Online Backlash

The announcement of these changes sparked widespread outrage on social media. While some welcomed the removal of content associated with the regime of former President Bashar al-Assad, many criticized the religious modifications and what they saw as an Islamist slant in the new curriculum.

One social media user questioned the legitimacy of the interim government making these changes, commenting:
“The current government is a caretaker government that does not have the right to make these amendments to the curricula. The curricula must be amended in accordance with the new constitution.”

Others criticized the perceived erasure of history, particularly the modification of the curriculum to reflect a new religious direction.

The Role of the New Government

The newly appointed ministry assumed control last month after the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. Assad’s regime, led by the secular Baath Party, was overthrown by rebels, including the Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) group, which has historical ties to al-Qaeda. Under the leadership of Ahmed al-Sharaa, HTS is now attempting to project an image of tolerance and inclusivity.

The new government, which is acting as an interim administration, is tasked with overseeing the country until elections are held, a process that may take up to four years according to al-Sharaa.

Despite the government’s claims of tolerance, the changes to the curriculum have raised questions about the direction in which the country is heading.

Ministry’s Response to Criticism

In response to the growing backlash, the Ministry of Education issued a statement aimed at calming public concerns. The ministry explained that:

• Curricula remain unchanged until specialized committees are formed to review and audit them.
• The changes announced were focused on removing content that glorified the deposed Assad regime, including the replacement of regime flags with those of the Syrian revolution.
• The ministry described the changes as corrections to “inaccuracies” in the Islamic education curriculum, particularly the misinterpretation of Quranic verses.

The education minister, Nazir Mohammad al-Qadri, also emphasized that Syria’s school curricula would not undergo drastic changes, aside from removing references to the Baath Party. In an interview with Reuters, al-Qadri stated that both Islamic and Christian education would continue in schools, with primary schools remaining mixed-gender and secondary schools continuing gender segregation as they did under Assad.

Future of Education and Government

The HTS-led government, which currently serves as a caretaker administration, plans to stay in power until March 2025, after which elections may take place. It remains unclear how the transitional government will hand over power once elections are held.

As the interim government continues to implement changes, the future of Syria’s education system—and the country’s broader political landscape—remains uncertain.

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Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has denied claims that his departure from Syria was planned, according to a statement posted Monday on the Syrian Presidency’s Telegram account. This marks the first time Assad has publicly addressed the events leading to his ousting earlier this month.

In the statement, purportedly from Assad, he insisted that he stayed in Damascus until the final hours before being evacuated to Russia.

Assad: “Departure Was Unplanned”

“My departure from Syria was neither planned nor did it occur during the final hours of the battles, as some have claimed. On the contrary, I remained in Damascus, carrying out my duties until the early hours of Sunday, December 8, 2024,” the statement read.

Assad claimed he moved to Russia’s airbase in Hmeimim on the morning of December 8 at Moscow’s request. Later that day, Russian officials evacuated him and his family when the base came under attack.

Collapse of Damascus Triggered Evacuation

The statement further alleged that the fall of Damascus and the collapse of Syria’s state institutions left no alternative but to evacuate.
“With no viable means of leaving the base, Moscow requested the base’s command arrange an immediate evacuation to Russia on the evening of December 8. This took place a day after Damascus fell, following the collapse of the final military positions and the paralysis of all remaining state institutions,” Assad explained.

“No Plans to Step Down”

Assad denied considering resignation or seeking asylum before his evacuation.
“At no point during these events did I consider stepping down or seeking refuge, nor was such a proposal made by any individual or party. The only course of action was to continue fighting against the terrorist onslaught,” he stated.

Assad justified his departure by claiming his position became meaningless after Syria’s takeover by what he described as “terrorists.”
“When the state falls into the hands of terrorism and the ability to make a meaningful contribution is lost, any position becomes void of purpose, rendering its occupation meaningless.”

Asylum in Russia

Assad and his family were granted asylum in Russia for “humanitarian reasons,” according to Russian officials. They arrived in Moscow late on December 8, following their evacuation from the Hmeimim airbase.

While it remains unclear if Assad controls the Telegram account from which the statement was posted, the message provides insight into his perspective on the dramatic fall of his regime and his subsequent relocation to Russia.

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Abu Mohammed al-Golani, born Ahmad al-Sharaa, has emerged as a controversial figure in the aftermath of the insurgency that overthrew Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Once a hardline jihadi with ties to al-Qaida, al-Golani now presents himself as a reformer and a potential state-builder in a fragmented Syria. His transformation, however, raises questions about the future governance of a nation long divided by ethnic, religious, and political strife.

A Radical Past Rooted in Conflict

Al-Golani’s journey into militancy began in 2003 during the U.S. invasion of Iraq, where he joined al-Qaida-linked insurgents. He rose through the ranks, eventually aligning with Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s Islamic State of Iraq. In 2011, amid Syria’s uprising against Assad, al-Baghdadi dispatched him to establish a Syrian al-Qaida affiliate, the Nusra Front.

The Nusra Front quickly became a dominant force in Syria’s civil war, battling both Assad’s forces and ISIS, which split from al-Qaida. While pledging allegiance to al-Qaida, al-Golani carved his path, rejecting ISIS and eliminating rivals among Syria’s armed opposition.

Rebranding and Consolidation

In 2016, al-Golani rebranded his group as Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (the Syria Conquest Front), claiming independence from al-Qaida. This marked the beginning of his efforts to distance himself from global jihadism and focus on Syrian issues. A year later, he renamed the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), merging several factions under his leadership and solidifying control over Idlib province.

HTS maintained dominance in northwest Syria, often clashing with independent Islamist groups and imposing its rule with an iron fist. Over time, al-Golani sought to reshape his image, trading his militant garb for suits and advocating pluralism, tolerance, and decentralized governance.

From Extremist to Pragmatist?

Al-Golani’s pivot included efforts to engage with religious and ethnic minorities, such as the Druze and Kurds, whose communities had previously been targeted by his forces. He also granted interviews to Western media, portraying HTS as a localized force with no intent to threaten the West.

In a 2021 interview, he stated, “To wage a war against the United States or Europe from Syria, that’s not true.” However, the U.S. continues to designate him and HTS as terrorists, with a $10 million bounty on his head.

A Test of Leadership

With Assad ousted and Damascus under insurgent control, al-Golani faces the challenge of proving his claims of inclusivity and governance. Syria remains a fractured state, with diverse communities fearing Sunni Islamist dominance and foreign powers jockeying for influence.

Al-Golani’s leadership will be scrutinized as Syria navigates its post-Assad era. His ability to reconcile his militant past with his aspirations for state-building could determine whether he emerges as a unifying figure or remains a polarizing one in the eyes of Syrians and the international community.

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On Sunday, Syrian rebel forces took control of Damascus, declaring Syria “free” after a swift and decisive offensive that saw multiple major cities fall into their hands in recent weeks. The rapid success of the rebels is a clear indication that the Assad regime, which has clung to power for over 14 years amid a brutal civil war, has effectively collapsed.

Why This Matters:

The rebels’ victory in Damascus, with little to no significant resistance from Assad’s forces, signifies the end of the Assad regime’s control over Syria. This momentous shift comes after years of conflict and is a devastating blow to Syria’s government. The fall of Damascus is a significant geopolitical event, further destabilizing Syria and the Middle East in the short term.

In the long run, the collapse of Assad’s regime could have far-reaching consequences, not only for Syria but also for its key allies—Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah—who have supported President Bashar al-Assad’s rule since the 2011 uprising.

Key Developments:

• Assad’s Disappearance: Reuters reported that Assad left Damascus on Sunday morning, with his whereabouts unknown.
• Rebels Free Prisoners: Rebel forces also took control of Sednaya prison, a notorious facility near Damascus, and released hundreds of prisoners. Social media footage showed Syrian soldiers abandoning their posts in the capital, many removing their uniforms and blending into the crowd as civilians.
• Celebrations in the Streets: Thousands gathered in Damascus’ main square, cheering as news spread of the regime’s fall. Al Jazeera and other news outlets broadcasted the jubilant scenes of Syrians celebrating their newfound freedom.
• Airport Seized: Rebel forces also captured Damascus International Airport, adding another blow to the regime’s hold on the capital.

The Road Ahead:

Hadi al-Bahra, head of the Syrian National Coalition, told Al-Arabiya that the regime has officially fallen, but emphasized that the focus is not on revenge. Instead, the goal is to restore security and stability to Syria. Meanwhile, Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, the Assad regime’s prime minister, expressed willingness to negotiate a peaceful transition of power, stressing the need to protect state institutions and ensure the safety of all citizens, including the opposition.

A Historic Shift:

This marks the end of 53 years of Assad family rule in Syria, which began with Hafez al-Assad’s coup in 1970. After his death in 2000, his son Bashar al-Assad took over, leading the country through a brutal crackdown on the 2011 uprising that ultimately plunged Syria into civil war. The collapse of the regime signifies not only the fall of the Assad dynasty but also the end of the secular Ba’ath Party’s rule, and the political dominance of Syria’s Alawite minority.

A Suspicious Departure:

In a dramatic turn of events, an Ilyushin-76 plane suspected of carrying President Assad was seen leaving Damascus airport just before rebel forces entered the city. The plane’s route, tracked via FlightRadar, showed it initially heading northwest before descending rapidly near Homs and eventually disappearing from radar.

This unfolding story is still developing, and further updates are expected as the situation evolves.

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Syrian insurgents have advanced into the suburbs of Damascus in a fast-moving offensive, seizing control of key cities and threatening President Bashar al-Assad’s hold on power. Opposition activists and rebel commanders reported significant progress on Saturday, marking a dramatic shift in Syria’s long-running civil war.

Insurgents Surround Damascus

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that insurgents are now active in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana, and Daraya. The opposition is also advancing from eastern Syria toward Harasta, while fighters from southern Syria march on the capital.

Rebel commander Hassan Abdul-Ghani announced via Telegram that the insurgents are in the “final stage” of their offensive, aiming to encircle Damascus. The Syrian military has redirected forces from southern provinces like Daraa and Sweida to defend Homs, a key city connecting Damascus to Assad’s coastal strongholds.

Rebels Gain Ground

In a stunning series of victories, the insurgents have captured several major cities, including Aleppo, once Syria’s second-largest city, and Hama. Thousands of civilians have fled as fighting intensifies, reigniting a conflict that had been relatively stagnant for years.

Abu Mohammed al-Golani, leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, told CNN that the goal of the offensive is to overthrow Assad’s government.

Assad Faces Waning Support

President Assad, already isolated, now finds his key allies preoccupied with other conflicts. Russia, Assad’s main backer, is heavily engaged in Ukraine, while Hezbollah, which previously bolstered Assad’s forces, has been weakened by prolonged fighting with Israel. Iran, another critical ally, has seen its regional proxies targeted by frequent Israeli airstrikes.

The rapid rebel advances present a significant challenge for Assad’s forces. If the insurgents capture Homs, they could sever the critical supply route between Damascus and the coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus, where Assad retains strong support.

International Concerns

Qatar hosted a meeting of foreign ministers from Iran, Russia, and Turkey to discuss the escalating conflict. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s foreign minister, criticized Assad for failing to address Syria’s underlying issues during the lull in fighting. He warned that the country’s territorial integrity is at serious risk without urgent political intervention.

Strategic Losses

The Syrian government has now lost control of border crossings with Jordan and Iraq, leaving the Masnaa crossing with Lebanon as its only international gateway. U.S.-backed Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have also captured large parts of Deir el-Zour, a strategically significant area linking Iran to the Mediterranean and a vital supply corridor for Iran-backed forces like Hezbollah.

The Road Ahead

With Damascus now within reach of insurgents and government forces stretched thin, the situation in Syria has reached a critical juncture. How the Assad government, its allies, and the international community respond will shape the next phase of this enduring conflict.

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In the volatile landscape of Syria, U.S. forces find themselves at the center of escalating tensions involving the Syrian regime, Iranian-backed militias, and regional complexities. Originally deployed to support the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in their fight against ISIS, U.S. troops are now operating in critical hotspots near the Euphrates River as the conflict intensifies.

Key Flashpoints in Syria

Following the Syrian regime’s loss of Aleppo in late November, a series of cascading events unfolded. Turkish-backed militias launched attacks on the SDF, exacerbating tensions between the SDF and regime forces. U.S. forces, stationed primarily in eastern Syria, are strategically positioned near the Euphrates River Valley, a region of immense strategic importance.

• Eastern Euphrates: Controlled by the SDF.
• Western Euphrates: Held by the Syrian regime, particularly in Deir Ezzor and surrounding areas, extending to the Iraqi border.
• Khasham Pocket: A small but significant area on the eastern Euphrates controlled by Iranian-backed militias, now a site of ongoing clashes.

Over the last six years, Iranian-backed militias have entrenched themselves along the Euphrates, launching sporadic drone and rocket attacks on U.S. forces. Recent U.S. operations have targeted these threats, highlighting the precarious balance in the region.

U.S. Response to Imminent Threats

On December 3, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed a self-defense strike against hostile forces. The operation destroyed multiple weapon systems, including rocket launchers, a T-64 tank, an armored personnel carrier, and mortars. These assets posed a direct threat to U.S. and Coalition forces.

CENTCOM emphasized that the U.S. mission in Syria remains unchanged, focusing on the enduring defeat of ISIS. The strikes underscore the U.S. commitment to protecting its forces while continuing collaboration with regional partners.

The Role of Airpower

Footage circulating online shows U.S. A-10 warplanes operating in the area. These aircraft, known for their close air support capabilities, are equipped with powerful Avenger cannons designed to neutralize armored vehicles and enemy ground forces effectively.

The presence of A-10s signifies a robust display of U.S. military strength, sending a clear message to both the Syrian regime and Iranian-backed militias amid the chaos in Syria.

Regional Dynamics

Iran remains a staunch opponent of U.S. operations in Syria, accusing the U.S. and Israel of orchestrating anti-regime actions. Meanwhile, Russia and Turkey also oppose the U.S. presence, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.

In this intricate and hostile environment, U.S. forces continue to navigate the challenges of supporting their allies, countering threats, and maintaining stability in eastern Syria. The situation underscores the enduring complexity of the Syrian conflict and the critical role of U.S. military strategy in the region.

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Russia launched a series of air strikes in Syria on Sunday, targeting key rebel positions as opposition forces advanced toward the south. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that the strikes killed four people and wounded 50 others in Idlib, a city in north-western Syria. Rural areas of Idlib and Hama, recently captured by rebel groups, were also hit.

This latest offensive, which began earlier in the week, marks some of the fiercest fighting in Syria’s civil war in recent years. Since Wednesday, over 300 people have been killed, including at least 20 civilians.

Rebels Take Aleppo Amid Russian Strikes

For the first time since 2016, Russian forces carried out air strikes on Aleppo on Saturday. Rebel fighters, led by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), made significant gains in the city, capturing large sections with minimal resistance. Aleppo, once a stronghold of the opposition, fell to government forces in 2016, but it is now back in rebel hands.

The rebels have pushed southward, advancing into several towns near Hama, Syria’s fourth-largest city. Syrian forces have drawn up defensive lines around key towns in the region, with both Syrian and Russian warplanes intensifying air strikes on rebel positions. These strikes have resulted in multiple casualties.

Syrian Military Responds

The Syrian military has reinforced its defenses in the region, deploying additional troops, heavy artillery, and rocket launchers. The government claims to have recaptured several towns from the rebels and stopped their advance. President Bashar al-Assad has vowed to protect Syria’s stability, promising to eliminate the terrorist threat with the help of allies, including Russia and Iran.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Aragchi, expressed his country’s full support for the Syrian government and military, signaling continued backing in the face of the ongoing offensive.

The State of Syria’s Civil War

The Syrian civil war began in 2011, when protests against Assad’s government were met with violent crackdowns. Since then, the war has claimed the lives of nearly half a million people. While much of the fighting has died down since a 2020 ceasefire, opposition forces continue to control Idlib and surrounding areas.

Idlib is located just 55 km from Aleppo, which was previously a rebel stronghold. The current offensive, spearheaded by HTS and allied factions backed by Turkey, is the largest escalation in the region in years.

Rebels Gain Ground and Impose Curfew

Rebels have taken control of Aleppo’s airport and several nearby towns. A curfew has been imposed, starting at 5 p.m. local time. The rebels have also advanced southward toward Hama, while the Syrian army reportedly withdrew from some areas. However, state media disputes these claims, with military sources saying the rebels launched broad attacks along both the Aleppo and Idlib fronts, covering over 100 km of territory.

Russian Involvement in the Conflict

Russian air strikes in Aleppo and Idlib signal Moscow’s continued support for Assad. The strikes on Aleppo were the first since the city was recaptured from the opposition in 2016. The escalation is a sign that Russia remains heavily involved in Syria’s conflict, using air power to target rebel forces.

As the fighting intensifies, many residents of Aleppo are fleeing, with reports showing long lines of cars on roads leaving the city. Smoke was visible rising from the skyline, as people attempt to escape the violence.

The ongoing reliance on Russian and Iranian support, along with Syria’s failure to adhere to a 2015 UN peace plan, has contributed to the continued instability in the country, according to a U.S. spokesperson.

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For decades, Syria’s Assad dynasty cultivated an image of unshakable power. The phrase “Our leader forever,” often associated with Hafez al-Assad, symbolized his reign. Yet, behind this facade of permanence, the foundation of Assad’s rule has always been vulnerable.

Hafez al-Assad’s death in 2000 ended his physical presence but not the legacy of authoritarian rule, which his son, Bashar al-Assad, carried forward. Over the years, the regime faced significant threats, particularly during the 2011 Arab Spring, when protests and uprisings toppled autocrats across the Middle East. Bashar’s grip seemed precarious, yet he survived thanks to robust support from allies like Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia.

For much of the Syrian Civil War, the conflict appeared to be in a stalemate. Assad regained some semblance of legitimacy within Arab circles, even as Syria remained fractured, with US-backed Kurdish forces, Turkish-supported factions, and Israeli airstrikes all contributing to the chaos. Despite this fragmentation, Assad’s survival was seen by some as a victory.

This week, however, that illusion of stability was shattered. Rebels led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, formerly linked to al-Qaeda, launched a stunning offensive from Idlib province. In just 72 hours, they reached the heart of Aleppo, sparking social media reports of collapsing government forces in northern Syria and advances toward Hama—a city infamous for the brutal crackdown led by Hafez al-Assad in 1982.

The swift unraveling of the regime’s defenses highlights a critical factor: the weakening support of its key allies.

• Hezbollah, once a vital player in propping up the Assad regime, has withdrawn most of its fighters to confront Israel, a move that has cost the group much of its senior leadership.
• Russia, which intervened militarily in Syria in 2015 to stabilize Assad’s rule, is now preoccupied with its war in Ukraine.
• Iran, whose bases and advisers in Syria have suffered repeated Israeli strikes, appears increasingly stretched.

The Assad regime’s survival for 53 years is remarkable, but it has come at a devastating cost. Decades of corruption and mismanagement have left Syria’s economy in ruins, even before the civil war. Since 2011, the conflict has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, displaced millions, and further eroded any semblance of normalcy for Syrians.

While the Assad dynasty has weathered numerous crises, nothing lasts forever. The events of the past week serve as a stark reminder that even the most entrenched regimes are not immune to collapse.

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Russian and Syrian jets are targeting rebel forces who have reportedly captured significant areas in and around Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city. Opposition fighters launched a surprise offensive in recent days, pushing into the heart of the city and disrupting major infrastructure.

Rebel Advances and Syrian Military Response

Opposition groups, including the Islamist militant faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, claim to control nearly half of Aleppo, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). In response, Syria’s military announced a “temporary troop withdrawal” to regroup for a counteroffensive against what it calls “terrorist” forces.

The rebels’ success has led to the closure of Aleppo airport and several key roads. Fierce battles in Aleppo and the neighboring Idlib region have reportedly resulted in dozens of Syrian soldiers being killed.

Russian Support and Escalation of Airstrikes

Russia, a key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has vowed to provide additional military aid to help Damascus repel the rebels. Syrian forces were reportedly instructed to conduct “safe withdrawals” from areas now under rebel control, according to military sources cited by Reuters.

The intensified conflict in northwestern Syria has also exacted a civilian toll. A United Nations official reported that airstrikes over the past three days killed 27 civilians, including eight children.

Rebel Justification and Turkey’s Role

Opposition fighters stated their campaign is a response to an escalation of airstrikes by Russian and Syrian forces on civilian areas in rebel-held Idlib. Turkey, which supports the rebels, has reportedly given tacit approval for their operations, according to opposition sources in contact with Turkish intelligence.

However, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli expressed concerns over the potential for increased instability. He also emphasized that recent attacks jeopardize existing de-escalation agreements.

Videos Reveal the Battlefield

Insurgents have shared videos online showing the use of drones in their advance, marking a notable development in their tactics. While the extent of drone involvement is unclear, geolocated footage shows armored vehicles near Aleppo’s outskirts and rebels celebrating at the city’s western entrance.

One video captures more than ten men, some armed, running through Aleppo’s streets. These visuals underscore the intensity of the ongoing urban battles.

Historical Context and Government Silence

This marks the rebels’ first return to Aleppo since 2016, when Assad’s forces, with backing from Russia, Iran, and allied militias, recaptured the city. The Syrian government has yet to comment on the rebels’ recent breach of Aleppo’s limits.

The situation remains fluid as both sides prepare for further confrontations, with civilians once again caught in the crossfire of escalating violence.

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Insurgents breached the western edge of Syria’s second-largest city, Aleppo, on Friday after detonating two car bombs and clashing with government forces, according to fighters and a Syria war monitor. This marks the first attack on Aleppo by opposition forces since 2016, when they were driven out of the city’s eastern neighborhoods after a brutal military campaign backed by Russia, Iran, and allied forces.

Witnesses in Aleppo reported that residents in the western neighborhoods have been fleeing amid heavy missile strikes and intense firefights. The government has not commented on the insurgents’ breach of the city’s defenses.

In response, Syria’s Armed Forces issued a statement confirming clashes with insurgents in the Aleppo and Idlib regions. They claimed to have destroyed several enemy drones and heavy weapons and vowed to repel the assault, accusing the insurgents of spreading false information about their gains.

Thousands of insurgents began advancing toward Aleppo after launching a surprise offensive on Wednesday. The insurgents have since captured several towns and villages along the way. This offensive comes as Iran-backed groups, who have supported the Syrian government since 2015, have been preoccupied with internal conflicts.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, reported that the insurgents detonated two car bombs on the western outskirts of Aleppo on Friday.

An insurgent commander posted a message on social media calling for Aleppo residents to support the advancing forces. Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency also reported that the insurgents had entered Aleppo’s city center, claiming they had breached government defenses along the Hamdaniyya, New Aleppo, and Zahra axes on the city’s outskirts. According to their report, the insurgents now control about 70 locations in Aleppo and Idlib provinces.

Earlier Friday, Syrian state media reported that insurgent projectiles struck student housing at Aleppo’s university, killing four people, including two students. To avoid clashes, public transportation to Aleppo was diverted from the main highway linking the city to Damascus.

Fighting also spread to the town of Saraqab in northwestern Idlib province, which is considered a key area for securing supply lines to Aleppo.

This offensive is one of the largest by opposition factions in recent months, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), and is the most intense fighting in northwestern Syria since 2020, when government forces regained territory previously held by the opposition.

The Syrian Armed Forces claimed that the insurgents are violating a 2019 de-escalation agreement, which had been in place to reduce fighting in the region, the last major opposition stronghold in Syria. The war monitor reported that dozens of fighters from both sides have been killed since the battles began on Wednesday. The insurgents have seized more than 50 villages in their advance, which appears to have taken government forces by surprise.

The offensive comes amid escalating tensions involving Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group that has supported the Syrian government. Hezbollah has been engaged in conflict with Israel, which has also conducted attacks on Hezbollah and Iran-linked targets in Syria in recent weeks. The group was a key force in helping the government regain control of Aleppo during the 2016 battle.

On Friday, insurgents reported capturing the Scientific Research Center neighborhood, located about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from Aleppo’s western edge. However, government-linked media denied these claims.

Videos posted online by the insurgents showed them using drones in their advance, marking a new weapon in their arsenal. However, it’s unclear how extensively the drones were used in the fighting. Anadolu Agency reported that insurgents also attacked a military airbase southeast of Aleppo, destroying a helicopter and seizing heavy weapons and vehicles from government forces.

Aid groups have reported that the ongoing clashes have displaced thousands of families and disrupted essential services. The opposition forces claim that their offensive will pave the way for the return of displaced civilians who had fled previous government bombardments.

The 2016 battle for Aleppo was a significant turning point in the Syrian Civil War, with Russian and Iranian-backed government forces retaking the city after a months-long siege. Turkey, which has supported opposition forces, maintains a military presence in parts of northwestern Syria. Meanwhile, the U.S. has supported Kurdish forces in eastern Syria, primarily in the fight against ISIS militants.

As the fighting continues to intensify, the situation in Aleppo and surrounding areas remains volatile, with no clear end in sight.

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