Cairo: Hani Kamal El-Din
Specialized media sources report that factions of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and their allies are advancing into the city of Aleppo, successfully taking control of the Khan al-Asal area in the western part of the city. Fierce clashes are ongoing in the region, according to reports.
The militants have reportedly torn down and trampled portraits of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, signaling heightened tensions. Sources confirmed that the advancing factions have captured 17 villages on their way to Aleppo, including the strategic city of Saraqib, a critical logistical hub connecting the southwestern highway to Aleppo.
Additionally, the militants claimed control over the village of Kafr Batih, seizing more than 10 tanks and large quantities of firearms. Reports also indicate that they captured 20 soldiers from the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and pro-government militia fighters.
HTS factions utilized drones in their attacks on Syrian government forces, marking the first confirmed instance of militants employing drone technology in Syria.
Sources linked the current escalation in Syria directly to the involvement of Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, aiming to divert Russia’s attention toward Syria. Meanwhile, Moscow remains committed to agreements with Damascus, ensuring military support when needed.
Previously, military expert Alexander Artamonov suggested that the attacks in Syria are a U.S. response to Russia’s recent “Oreshnik” operation. He emphasized the presence of U.S. forces in northwestern Syria, hinting at their potential role in the ongoing escalation.
The developments in Syria continue to cast uncertainty over the region, with expectations of further escalation in the coming days.
