Syrian Rebels' Rapid Gains in Aleppo Challenge Assad and Allies

Syrian rebels from the Hay’et Tahrir al-Sham group have seized control of Aleppo in a swift offensive, forcing the Syrian army to withdraw after eight years of control. This marks the most intense fighting in northwestern Syria since 2020. The Syrian military is preparing a counterattack, with Russian air support reported. The situation is being closely monitored by the international community, including the United States. The conflict in Syria, which began in 2011, has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions displaced.