Opposition Forces Capture Majority of Aleppo
Armed groups opposing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime have successfully advanced into the heart of Aleppo after three days of fierce clashes with government forces. According to local sources, opposition fighters broke through defense lines in Aleppo’s western outskirts, including the Hamdaniyya, New Aleppo, and Zahra areas. They continued their advance into the city, seizing control of 400 square kilometers (154 square miles) of territory.
Following intense fighting overnight, the opposition has reportedly captured 70 settlements and key locations around Aleppo. As a result, tens of thousands of civilians have fled to rural Idlib in northwestern Syria, seeking refuge from the escalating violence.
Saraqib Falls to Opposition Forces
In a significant development, opposition forces have taken control of Saraqib, a vital town in Idlib province located at the crossroads of the M4 and M5 highways. The town has long been a key link between Damascus, Aleppo, and Latakia. Regime forces withdrew after suffering heavy losses in a two-day battle. The town’s capture marks a significant shift in the ongoing conflict.
Fighting Expands to Aleppo’s Suburbs
The conflict has spread to the suburbs of Aleppo, with regime loyalists fleeing toward Damascus under increasing pressure. Opposition forces have captured several military sites, including the Scientific Research Centre, used by the regime for producing barrel bombs. Additionally, they seized Anadan, one of Aleppo’s largest outskirts settlements. By Friday morning, opposition forces had gained control of nearly 550 square kilometers (342 square miles) along the Idlib-Aleppo front.
Regime Airstrikes and Civilian Casualties
In response, Russian warplanes targeted an opposition base in Mare, northern Syria, causing material damage but no casualties. Meanwhile, regime forces have continued missile attacks on civilian areas. In a tragic incident, four students were killed, and two others injured when regime missiles struck a student dormitory at the University of Aleppo amid clashes on the city’s outskirts.
Opposition Forces Seize Key Locations in Aleppo
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on Saturday that opposition groups have gained control of the majority of Aleppo, including key government centers, prisons, and strategic locations. Fighters from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former Al-Qaeda affiliate, reportedly entered Aleppo on Friday without encountering resistance from Assad’s forces.
Russian airstrikes on Aleppo, the first since 2016, have escalated tensions in the city, which is witnessing some of the most intense fighting in recent years. The situation remains volatile, with both sides suffering heavy losses.
Prisoners Freed in Aleppo
Reports from Afghan Khaama Press claim that opposition groups have captured a Syrian army security prison in Aleppo, freeing around 100 prisoners.
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