ALBAWABA - On November 30, 2024, the Syrian armed opposition claimed control of Aleppo International Airport as part of "Operation Deterrence Against Aggression." Lieutenant Colonel Hassan Abdul Ghani, the opposition's military spokesperson, confirmed the capture and stressed its strategic importance.
Opposition troops took over Idlib province, including Maarrat al-Numan and other towns and villages, as well as the airport. The factions also took six villages and Morek in Hama's countryside in a new attack.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said that the opposition had taken over much of Aleppo, their biggest victory in years. Russian airstrikes hit opposition-held Aleppo overnight, the first since 2016.
A "tactical withdrawal" from Aleppo to prepare for a counteroffensive was announced by the Syrian army, acknowledging the opposition's achievements. Following fierce skirmishes that killed or wounded hundreds of government forces, the evacuation began.
The opposition's quick advances have displaced thousands of residents from Aleppo and adjacent districts. Large-scale evacuations from western Aleppo and within the city raised humanitarian concerns, according to the UN.
Russian and Syrian warplanes bombed rebel positions in Aleppo's outskirts and other freshly seized regions. Russia supported the Assad administration and criticized the Aleppo scenario as a violation of Syria's sovereignty.
SOHR reported over 300 deaths, including 40 civilians, since the attack began on November 27. Children died, showing the toll on non-combatants. Government reports said rebel troops shelled a student housing site in Aleppo, killing civilians.
The developments reflect a turning point in the Syrian conflict, raising concerns of regional destabilization and escalation.
