Reports from international news agencies and human rights organizations

Syrian Rebels Launch 'Repelling the Aggression' Offensive, Capture 64 Villages, Enter Aleppo Suburbs

Nov 29, 2024, 08:26 AM

Syrian rebel forces have initiated 'Repelling the Aggression,' the largest offensive against government-held positions in five years, advancing rapidly toward the city of Aleppo. Beginning on Wednesday, the rebels have captured at least 64 villages in the Idlib and Aleppo provinces, including strategic locations such as Khan al-Asal, Khan Tuman, and Urum al-Kubra. They have seized military installations, including Base 46 and the Military Research Complex, capturing significant military hardware like tanks and armored vehicles. Advancing to within as close as 2.7 kilometers of Aleppo's city center, rebel forces have entered western suburbs such as New Aleppo and Al Hamadaniya, engaging in heavy clashes with government forces along the Rashidun axis. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports that the death toll from the fighting has exceeded 240, marking some of the heaviest casualties in recent years. The offensive has also resulted in the rebels cutting off the strategic M5 highway near Saraqib, disrupting a critical supply route between Damascus and Aleppo. Government forces, with air support from Russia, are attempting to repel the advance amid reports of significant territorial losses and retreating units. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing battles around Aleppo and continued rebel gains.