Temporary Force Redeployment by Syrian Army Amid Rebel Offensive in Aleppo and Idlib
Click to start listening
Damascus, December 1 (NationPress) The Syrian army has declared a temporary redeployment of its forces in response to fierce clashes with militant factions in the northwestern provinces of Aleppo and Idlib, as stated by the Syrian Defence Ministry.
The announcement highlighted that the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied opposition groups have initiated a significant offensive in recent days. This attack, bolstered by thousands of foreign combatants, advanced weaponry, and numerous drones, aimed at various fronts spanning more than 100 kilometres, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
According to the statement, dozens of Syrian soldiers have been killed, with additional casualties reported.
The ministry indicated that the militants have infiltrated considerable areas of Aleppo neighborhoods but have been thwarted from establishing fortified positions.
Confronted with overwhelming militant numbers and multiple assaults, the Syrian army has executed a strategic redeployment to enhance defensive positions, safeguard civilians and military personnel, and prepare for a counteroffensive.
"This measure is temporary," the ministry stressed. "The armed forces will persist in operations to repel the militants and regain complete state control over the city and its adjacent regions," it stated.
On Wednesday, a significant rebel offensive struck the western outskirts of Aleppo province, marking the first major assault since 2016. This offensive has involved a coalition of rebel factions, predominantly HTS.
The insurgents have utilized a mix of ground offensives, car bombings, and artillery fire to breach government-held territories.
On Friday, the rebels managed to capture portions of Aleppo, having been expelled from the city in 2016.
In retaliation, the Syrian government, aided by Russia and Iran, executed airstrikes and ground operations to counter the rebel surge.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights estimates that more than 270 individuals, including civilians, have lost their lives since the offensive commenced.
