IDLIB, Syria (North Press) – Turkey-backed Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly Jabhat al-Nusra, announced on Saturday that it has taken full control of Idlib province in northwestern Syria. Meanwhile, for the first time in decades, Aleppo city has reportedly been left without government forces.
HTS, in coordination with other Turkish-backed opposition factions, launched a military operation called “Deter Aggression” last Wednesday. The offensive has resulted in sweeping territorial gains, including vast areas in the southern and eastern countryside of Aleppo and the eastern countryside of Idlib.
Government Withdrawals and HTS Advances
A military source close to HTS confirmed to North Press that the group now controls all of Idlib province, as well as approximately 50 villages and towns, following the withdrawal of government forces. The source also reported that HTS-led factions are engaged in battles in the northern Hama countryside, particularly in the town of Morek, where government forces are reportedly collapsing.
The rapid advances mark a significant shift in the balance of power in northern Syria, as HTS consolidates control over a region long contested by various factions.
Russian Airstrikes in Aleppo
Amid the chaos, Russian warplanes conducted two airstrikes on Saturday targeting a gathering of Turkish-backed militants at Al-Basil Roundabout in central Aleppo. The strikes reportedly killed over 15 fighters and injured several others.
Despite these strikes, opposition factions involved in the offensive claimed they had secured control of most of Aleppo’s neighborhoods earlier in the day.
Government’s Strategic Response
In a statement, government forces described their actions in Aleppo and Idlib as a strategic “redeployment.” The objective, according to the statement, is to fortify defensive lines, protect civilians, and prepare for a counteroffensive.
The redeployment, however, has left significant territories vulnerable, raising questions about Damascus’s ability to regain control in the near future.
Implications of HTS’s Gains
HTS’s full control of Idlib represents a significant milestone for the group, which has faced international condemnation as a UN-designated terrorist organization. Their alliance with Turkish-backed factions has further complicated the dynamics in northern Syria, where ceasefire agreements brokered by Russia and Turkey have repeatedly broken down.
The group’s military success underscores its growing influence and poses a challenge to both the Syrian government and the international community’s counterterrorism efforts.
Humanitarian and Security Concerns
The developments in Aleppo and Idlib have exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis. Thousands of civilians are fleeing conflict zones, while airstrikes and ground clashes continue to endanger lives.
As the situation unfolds, residents in the region and international observers alike are bracing for further escalation in a conflict that shows no signs of resolution.