Iraqi analyst compares attack on Aleppo to fall of Mosul
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – An Iraqi political analyst warned on Saturday that the offensive by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS, once known as al-Nusra Front) and Turkish-backed armed opposition factions, aka the Syrian National Army (SNA), in northwestern Syria is a significant challenge to regional security.
In a statement to North Press, Ibrahim al-Saraj compared the situation in Aleppo to the 2014 fall of Mosul in Iraq, highlighting the gravity of the unfolding events.
Since Nov.27, HTS and SNA factions have launched attacks on government-controlled areas in Aleppo and Idlib.
Al-Saraj emphasized that Iraq has implemented various measures to prevent the spillover of violence into its territory. He noted the establishment of a wall and a robust strategy to address potential repercussions.
Al-Saraj elaborated that the Iraqi government is acting cautiously, closely monitoring the situation, and coordinating with Syria through a joint operations room.
He also pointed out that the offensive occurred 48 hours after a ceasefire took effect in Lebanon, suggesting that “Washington and Israel are attempting to drag the region into further conflict to weaken the resistance axis.”
According to al-Saraj, Turkey’s decision to allow its affiliated SNA factions to attack Aleppo and Idlib signals alignment with the United States’ evolving Middle East strategy. He described it as “a message to the new American administration,” underlining Turkey’s strategic intent.