Rebels Seize Aleppo as Syrian Army Withdraws for Counterattack
Syrian opposition forces have taken control of most of Aleppo, marking the first time rebels have entered the city since government forces regained control in 2016. The rebel advance, part of a coalition called the "Military Operations Command," met little resistance from the Syrian army, though the Russian air force has launched an aerial offensive in response. Kurdish forces have also expanded their control in Aleppo. The Syrian defense ministry acknowledged the rebel incursion but claimed reinforcements are preparing a counteroffensive. This marks a significant escalation in the Syrian Civil War, which has been largely static since a 2020 ceasefire.