Dozens were reported killed on Saturday as the Syrian army confirmed that many of its soldiers died in a major attack by rebels who seized parts of Aleppo. The assault, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, forced the army to redeploy. It marked the biggest challenge to President Bashar al-Assad in years. The attack shifted the frontlines of the Syrian civil war, particularly in the northwest near the Turkish border.
The army acknowledged that insurgents had entered large areas of Aleppo, which had been under full state control since government forces, backed by Russia and Iran, expelled rebels eight years ago.
The Syrian military said the rebels attacked from multiple directions, prompting a redeployment of troops to strengthen defenses. Airstrikes helped stop the insurgents from establishing fixed positions. The army promised to expel the rebels and restore full control of Aleppo and its countryside.
Rebels also captured Maraat al Numan in Idlib province, taking full control of the area. The fighting revived the Syrian conflict, adding to regional instability. Russia pledged additional military aid to Syria, while the Syrian government closed Aleppo airport and roads leading to the city. Turkish-backed rebels rapidly advanced through Aleppo. (Reuters)
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