In a sudden turn-of-events Syrian rebels launched their first big attack since 2020 near Aleppo capturing multiple villages and causing heavy losses on both sides (including one Russian special-forces soldier)
The attack led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham resulted in about 130 dead fighters: 65 rebels 18 from allied groups; and 49 pro-government troops. The rebel-groups said they started this attack because of more air-strikes on civilians in south Idlib and to stop Syrian army plans to attack first
Russian and Syrian air-forces quickly responded with counter-strikes which hadnt happened in this area for many years. The rebels showed proof of their success including a captured tank some high-tech Russian weapons and anti-drone equipment
Its our duty to defend our people in the face of this imminent danger that targets their existence and safety
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham controls parts of north-west Syria where about 2‚9 million displaced people live. The group used to be connected with al-Qaeda but split from them around 8 years ago. A peace-deal made by Russia and Turkey in 2020 was supposed to keep this area calm but both sides often break it
The war in Syria started when Bashar al Assad tried to stop protests in 03/11 and since then:
- More than 300000 civilians died in first 10 years
- About 6‚8 million people had to move inside Syria
- Around 6 million ran to other countries
- Most refugees went to Turkey Jordan and Lebanon