The Surge in Aleppo: A Shift in the Syrian Civil War

Rebels in Syria recently launched a surprising offensive, capturing the city of Aleppo from government forces in a rapid and dramatic turn of events. This coalition of rebel groups overcame a long-standing stalemate in the civil war that began in 2011, leading to celebratory scenes among insurgents as they took control. The offensive's success is attributed to the rebels' extensive preparation and the dwindling foreign support for President Bashar al-Assad from countries like Iran and Russia, who are preoccupied with their own conflicts. The situation has raised concerns about the potential for renewed violence, as military responses from Assad's regime have already begun to unfold in the form of airstrikes targeting civilians and rebel positions in the region.