Syrian Authorities Close Aleppo Airport and Roadways as Rebel Forces Make Significant Gains

Aleppo, Syria — Syrian authorities have taken drastic measures to contain the escalating conflict in Aleppo, closing the city’s airport and all major roads leading into the area, according to multiple military sources. The move comes as opposition fighters, led by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have launched a surprise offensive, making significant inroads into the heart of Aleppo—a city that has been under the control of President Bashar al-Assad’s government and its allies for nearly a decade.

The rebel forces, who have regained ground in a swift operation that began earlier this week, have managed to breach several government-held towns in northern Syria, advancing to Aleppo, a pivotal urban center that fell to Assad’s forces in 2016 after a prolonged siege. The latest offensive marks the rebels' first return to the city since their expulsion following the Syrian government's decisive recapture of Aleppo, with the support of Russian, Iranian, and regional Shi'ite militias.

Rebel Advancements and Strategic Support

By Friday, opposition forces had reportedly swept through multiple neighborhoods in Aleppo, regaining territory previously held by the regime. A senior commander of the Jaish al-Izza rebel brigade, Mustafa Abdul Jaber, attributed the rapid progress to a reduction in the presence of Iranian-backed militias in the region. This vacuum of manpower, he explained, has been exacerbated by recent setbacks suffered by Iran’s allies in the broader Middle East, particularly as Israeli airstrikes have targeted positions linked to Tehran’s influence in Syria and beyond.

The opposition's advance has been framed as a response to escalating airstrikes by the Russian and Syrian air forces on rebel-held territories in Idlib province, particularly in the wake of intensified bombardments of civilian areas. Opposition groups have also expressed concerns about the possibility of an imminent large-scale assault by Syrian government forces. In a strategic move, rebel leaders have reportedly coordinated with Turkish intelligence, with Turkey, a known supporter of the opposition, allegedly giving the green light for the offensive.

However, despite these claims, Oncu Keceli, a spokesperson for the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated on Friday that Ankara is committed to preventing further instability in the region and had voiced concerns over recent escalations that undermine existing de-escalation agreements between Russia and Turkey. The attack represents the most significant offensive in the region since March 2020, when Russia and Turkey brokered a ceasefire aimed at reducing hostilities between Syrian government forces and rebel groups.

Civilian Casualties and Humanitarian Concerns

The renewed fighting has had a devastating impact on civilians. David Carden, Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the U.N. Syria Crisis, expressed deep concern over the humanitarian toll, reporting that at least 27 civilians have been killed in the past three days of conflict, including children as young as eight years old. Syrian state media, however, has denied claims that rebels have fully entered Aleppo, instead asserting that Syrian forces have inflicted heavy losses on the insurgents in the Aleppo and Idlib countryside.

According to the Syrian state news agency SANA, four civilians, including two students, were killed on Friday in Aleppo following shelling by insurgents targeting university dormitories. It remains unclear whether these casualties are included in the 27 deaths reported by the U.N.

The rising civilian death toll has sparked renewed calls from the international community for an end to hostilities and the protection of civilians in the region.

Russian and Syrian Military Response

In response to the rebel offensive, the Syrian government has announced a series of military measures to repel the insurgent advance. Three military sources reported that the Syrian army has been instructed to follow "safe withdrawal" protocols from areas of Aleppo that have been overrun by rebel forces. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has pledged to provide additional military support to Damascus, with new hardware expected to arrive in the next 72 hours to reinforce Syrian military capabilities.

Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Kremlin, characterized the rebel assault as a violation of Syria’s sovereignty, reiterating Moscow’s stance in favor of restoring order to the region. Peskov emphasized Russia’s commitment to supporting the Syrian government’s efforts to "bring order" and "restore constitutional order as soon as possible."

International Reactions

As the situation in Aleppo continues to evolve, the international community remains deeply concerned about the potential for further escalation. The United Nations has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent additional civilian casualties and to ensure that humanitarian aid can reach affected areas. The U.N. has also stressed the need for adherence to de-escalation agreements and the protection of civilians under international law.

The growing instability in Aleppo is part of a broader pattern of violence that has plagued Syria for over a decade, with no end in sight. While diplomatic efforts continue, the situation remains highly fluid, with regional powers and international stakeholders vying for influence as the conflict enters its tenth year.

The situation in Aleppo is a stark reminder of the ongoing volatility in Syria, where shifting alliances, military maneuvers, and regional rivalries continue to shape the course of the war. As rebel forces advance into key urban areas and government forces prepare for a counteroffensive, the prospects for peace and stability in the region remain uncertain. The continued humanitarian crisis, marked by civilian casualties and widespread displacement, underscores the urgent need for renewed diplomatic efforts to address the underlying causes of the conflict and to secure a lasting peace.