Syrian rebels have launched a major offensive against government and allied Russian forces in western Aleppo, in what opposition sources are calling the most significant escalation in hostilities since the 2020 ceasefire brokered by Russia and Turkey. The operation, titled “Deterrence of Aggression,” has seen rebel forces seize at least 13 settlements, including the key 46th Regiment base, and allegedly killed and captured multiple Russian personnel.
The assault began on Wednesday, with opposition factions including Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, being led by the The Command of Military Operations (previously Al-Fatah al-Mubin operations room).
The rebels stated on Telegram channels that the offensive was launched in retaliation for recent artillery bombardments by forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The settlements captured during the attack include Urm Al-Kubra, Qubtan al-Jabal, Sheikh Aqil, Anjara, Balu, Salum, Al-Maari, Khayrdrakl, Kafr Bisin, and Hawar, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and videos shared by opposition media.
Reports now claim that the opposition groups are fighting in Khan Al-Asal which is less than 7 miles outside of Aleppo’s City Center, though these reports are unverified.
BREAKING:
The Syrian rebels from the Idlib province are now within 7 km of central Aleppo after capturing Urum al-Kubra. pic.twitter.com/AvO5F98zKK
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) November 27, 2024
Rebel forces with the HTS reportedly ambushed a Russian special forces unit near Urm Al-Kubra. Photographs and videos shared on opposition-aligned platforms show the aftermath, including a Russian casualty, the immobilization of a Russian vehicle and the capture of advanced equipment.
#Syria / #Russia
: Tavhid va Jihod (“Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham” militants from #Uzbekistan
) ambushed and killed #Russian Troops in #Aleppo.
Militants also captured an AKS-74U carbine —fitted with ZenitCo furnitures, silencer, Aimpoint Micro Red Dot sight and ATPIAL. pic.twitter.com/fSt0v0IE7S
— War Noir (@war_noir) November 27, 2024
Russian military sources have confirmed significant losses during Wednesday’s offensive by opposition forces. According to statements shared on Russian Telegram channels, a Russian special forces unit was ambushed and destroyed during the attack. A source described the events as involving ““Pro-Turkish forces” & “Idlib militants” who began their offensive early in the morning, allegedly causing Syrian regime forces to retreat “not only on foot but even on tanks.” The statement also acknowledged the videos and images circulating online, and compared the incident to a February 2020 ambush in which four operatives from the FSB Special Operations Center were killed during a similar retreat by Syrian forces.
According to popular armaments and conflict researcher account @War_Noir, The seized items included an “ AK-74M rifle with ZenitCo furnitures and silencer, AR-15 rifle, AKMS rifles, a Baikal MP-446 pistol and a Romion SPD-2 Anti-Drone Gun.”
#Syria / #Russia
Militants also captured AK-74M rifle with ZenitCo furnitures and silencer, AR-15 rifle, AKMS rifles, Baikal MP-446 pistol and Romion SPD-2 Anti-Drone Gun. pic.twitter.com/3g72ukBTwR
— War Noir (@war_noir) November 27, 2024
In an effort to counter the rebel advance, Russian and Syrian forces have intensified their air and artillery strikes on opposition-held positions. Russian warplanes have reportedly used vacuum bombs to target areas around Atarib and Darat Izza, while Assad-regime artillery has shelled rebel-controlled rear positions near Qubtan al-Jabal and Urm Al-Kubra. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the strikes caused significant destruction but casualty figures remain unclear.
The Syrian military’s response has been complicated by reports of disarray among its forces. Rebel sources have displayed evidence of abandoned equipment, including military transport vehicles and tanks, further indicating that government troops were unprepared for the scale of the offensive.
The opposition’s offensive has been characterized by rapid advances through western Aleppo’s contested countryside. Alongside the capture of the 46th Regiment base, a pivotal stronghold for regime forces, rebels have taken control of significant territory. Videos from the captured base depict tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery pieces left behind by retreating regime forces.
#Syria: fighting has returned to the countryside of western #Aleppo as rebel groups have launched an attack, claiming it is meant to deter a possible regime offensive.
Drone footage shows regime soldiers running away from their positiona following a rebel assault. pic.twitter.com/VDoPbfPwaZ
— Thomas van Linge (@ThomasVLinge) November 27, 2024
Syrian rebels with an Assad Regime tank they captured. pic.twitter.com/2Czux7uWN3
— Clash Report (@clashreport) November 27, 2024
The escalation has triggered significant displacement, particularly from areas such as Atarib and Anjara, where civilians are fleeing amid fears of intensified airstrikes and artillery fire.
In Assad-controlled areas, residents in Nubl, Zahra, and parts of Aleppo city, including the wealthy New Aleppo district, are also fleeing, as rebel advances raise fears about renewed urban conflict.
Rebel-aligned authorities have closed major roads, including the Idlib-Sarmada and Atarib-Kafr Karmin routes, to manage the movement of displaced populations and prevent further chaos. Reports are now claiming that the opposition groups are only two miles outside of Aleppo’s Center, though these reports are unverified.
