The hostilities pit the Syrian Army against extremist Islamist militias, such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group with ties to Al-Qaeda, reigniting a war that has long devastated the country.

As a result, the armed groups captured significant territories in northwestern Syria, including large swathes of Aleppo, the nation’s second-largest city, following the withdrawal of Syrian Army troop.

The insurgents are now locked in battles near Hama, while Russia, a key ally of Damascus, intensifies airstrikes against the militants.

The Hezbollah-affiliated news outlet Al Mayadeen reported that a counteroffensive by the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) along the Khanaser-Ithriyah road had made significant gains. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, in a defiant stance, vowed to "crush the terrorists."

Regional Responses

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has called on the Syrian government to reconcile with both its people and the opposition.

“The lack of talks between the regime and the opposition has brought the problem to this point,” he said, emphasising the need for dialogue and warning against ignoring the legitimate demands of the opposition.

Turkey, already hosting 3.2 million Syrian refugees, fears another wave of displacement triggered by the escalating conflict.

Fidan reiterated Turkey's stance against escalating the civil war during a recent call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Turkish troops and allied factions control significant portions of northern Syria.

While no direct evidence links Ankara to the latest offensive by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), analysts suggest that Turkish indirect support likely enabled the militants' gains.

Turkey’s actions have drawn criticism from Iran-aligned groups, particularly among the Shia-dominated political and military establishments in Lebanon, Iraq, and Iran.

Kataeb Hezbollah, an Iraqi armed group aligned with Iran, has urged Baghdad to send troops to aid Syria against the insurgents.

Kataeb Hezbollah, part of Iraq’s Hashed al-Shaabi coalition, reportedly has fighters deployed near Aleppo, supporting Syrian government forces. Al Mayadeen reported reinforcements from Iran-backed factions arriving on the frontlines around Hama and Aleppo.

Iran’s President Massoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed Tehran’s unwavering support for Syria, emphasising its commitment to Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Over the years, Iran has bolstered Damascus with financial aid, weapons, and fighters from groups such as Lebanon’s Hezbollah and the Hashed al-Shaabi.

A Shifting Balance

As Syria emerges from years of isolation, its position has strengthened. The normalization of relations with Arab states like Jordan, Egypt, and the UAE has bolstered Damascus in its fight against extremism, offering a glimmer of hope for a potential military resolution to the conflict.