References: Institute for the Study of
In a swift offensive, Syrian rebel forces have taken over a significant portion of Syria’s northwest from the government, dramatically altering the course of the long-standing civil war. Following their capture of Aleppo, its airport, military bases, and various towns and villages, they successfully ousted government troops from Hama
The recent offensive comes after a period of relative calm but has now reignited conflict dynamics. Since 2020, President Bashar al-Assad’s regime had maintained control over much of Syria while other factions held fragmented territories.
Here is an overview of the ongoing conflict in Syria:
Rebel Forces
Their territorial gains this week have been significant.
Areas under rebel control
Source: The Carter Center.
The conflict began in 2011 following Mr. al-Assad’s crackdown on protests. Initially, rebels comprising extremist Islamist and moderate factions secured territories in northwest Syria before expanding further by controlling regions north of Hama, east of Damascus, near Israel’s border to villages along Euphrates and al-Hasakah province in northeast Syria.
Government Forces and Allies
The Conflict Had Shifted In Their Favor Years Ago – But Now They Are Retreating
Locations Controlled By Syrian Gov’t And Allies
Source: The Carter Center
Despite Initial Rebel Successes Pro-Assad Forces – Including Not Only Syria’s Military But Also Fighters Sent By Iran And The Iran-backed Lebanese Militia Hezbollah – Were Able To Retake More Territory Over The Last Decade After A Series Of Events Shifted The Conflict In Their Favor Pro-government Troops Recaptured Aleppo With The Help Of Russian Airstrikes After A Four-year Battle Ending In Two Thousand Sixteen Next Year A Government Offensive Against Islamic State Put Mr Al-assad Back
2024-12-07T05:03:24
Post from www.nytimes.com
