01.12.2024 12:50
Armed opposition groups continuing their advance against the Assad regime in Syria have reached the city center of Hama after Aleppo and Idlib. While clashes have been ongoing in the region for five days, images have emerged showing Syrian opposition members raising the "Free Syrian Flag" in the city of Aleppo, which is under the control of the Assad regime.
The operation launched by armed opposition groups led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from Idlib to Aleppo on Wednesday yielded results within 72 hours. Anti-Assad groups that entered the city center of Aleppo the day before managed to gain control over many neighborhoods, seizing a large part of the city.
THEY RETURNED TO ALEPPO AFTER 8 YEARS Thus, the opposition forces, which were forced to leave the city in 2016 due to Russia's intervention, have returned to Aleppo after eight years. The regime-opposed groups quickly established control over the governorate and police headquarters buildings, as well as the iconic Aleppo Citadel, raising the 'Free Syrian Flag' (FSA).
THEY TOPPLED THE STATUE The opposition also toppled the statue of Bashar al-Assad's brother, Basil al-Assad. According to security sources, regime forces lost control of Aleppo International Airport, which they had handed over to the PKK/YPG terrorist organization, to the opposition forces in the morning hours. Clashes continue in the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood of the city, which is controlled by the YPG/YPD, the Syrian branch of the PKK.
AFTER HAMA, THE TARGET IS DAMASCUS The opposition forces continued their advance without slowing down yesterday. While the largest district of Idlib province, Maarrat al-Numan, was retaken from regime forces, more than 15 settlements, including Khan Shaykhun and Maarat al-Numan, were brought under control in the south and east of Serakib. It was claimed that regime forces had retreated from the town of Morek, located north of Hama. It is assessed that the opposition forces, which reached the city center of Hama, aim to head towards Damascus after establishing control in the region. On the other hand, it was reported that HTS is moving towards Tel Rifaat, located north of Aleppo and controlled by the YPG/PYD terrorist organization, and has also taken control of the towns of Nubl and Zahra, which are seen as strongholds of Shiite militias along this route.
In a statement from security sources regarding developments in Syria, it was said, "The Syrian regime has begun to hand over the territories under its control to the PKK/YPG forces located east of the Euphrates. For this reason, a large number of PKK/YPG members have come to the Aleppo region from the east of the Euphrates, and heavy weapons belonging to the organization have started to be dispatched. The Syrian National Army has disrupted the plans of the terrorist organizations. The terrorist corridor has been blocked."