Students killed as Turkish-backed factions shell Aleppo University in northern Syria
ALEPPO, Syria (North Press) – Four people were killed, and 11 others injured on Friday in an attack by the Turkish-backed Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and other Turkish-backed factions targeting the university campus in Aleppo, according to local sources.
North Press Agency reporters on the ground confirmed that the assault involved several rocket-propelled grenades hitting the dormitory complex, primarily housing students and civilians. “The targeted building has been evacuated, and students were relocated to alternative housing facilities,” a source on-site reported.
Rising Tensions in Northern Syria
The attack comes amidst escalating violence in northwest Syria, where clashes between HTS-led militants and Syrian government forces have intensified. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported late Thursday that the death toll from these clashes has risen to 242 since Wednesday, marking the deadliest surge in violence in years.
HTS, a UN-designated terrorist organization, along with allied Turkish-backed factions, launched a significant offensive earlier this week on government-controlled areas in western Aleppo’s countryside. The offensive, described as one of the fiercest in recent years, has led to heightened tensions in the region.
Background on the Conflict
The ongoing conflict in northern Syria is a focal point of the country’s broader civil war, now in its 13th year. HTS, which controls large swathes of Idlib and parts of Aleppo, has been accused of using its Turkish-backed alliances to expand territorial gains while targeting civilian areas indiscriminately.
International organizations, including the United Nations, have repeatedly condemned HTS and other militant factions for violating ceasefire agreements brokered in March 2020. Turkey, a major actor in the region, has faced criticism for supporting these factions, further complicating the fragile dynamics in northern Syria.
Humanitarian Impact
Friday’s attack on the university campus has sparked outrage and concern over the safety of civilians in government-held areas. The university serves as a sanctuary for students from different parts of Syria, making the assault a direct threat to educational stability.
Local humanitarian organizations are mobilizing resources to support the injured and displaced students. The broader conflict, however, continues to displace thousands, with limited access to medical aid, food, and shelter.
International Reactions
The international community has yet to issue a unified response to the recent escalation. Human rights organizations have urged all parties to prioritize civilian protection and adhere to international laws governing armed conflict.
The attack underscores the fragility of peace efforts in Syria and highlights the need for renewed international focus on resolving the crisis.