Dozens killed as armed groups attack Syrian military in northern Aleppo
Al Jazeera3 days
Syria: Russian Jets Strike Rebel-Seized Aleppo
Above: Clashes continue between the Bashar al-Assad regime and the HTS in Aleppo and Idlib, Syria, on Nov. 28, 2024. Image copyright: Izettin Kasim/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Facts
Russian warplanes reportedly conducted airstrikes on Aleppo for the first time since 2016 on Saturday, resulting in at least 16 civilian casualties and 20 injuries.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), 20 rebels have also been killed in the strikes after Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied groups claimed to have seized Aleppo International Airport and the administrative borders of Idlib Governorate.
The Spin
Narrative A
The offensive represents a legitimate resistance against oppressive government forces' attacks on civilian areas. The rebels have successfully liberated multiple villages and captured significant military assets, demonstrating the effectiveness of their coordinated response to an oppressive regime. It's time to liberate Aleppo, kick out the Iranian and Hezbollah militias, and lift the oppression against the native Syrians.
Narrative B
The offensive constitutes a terrorist operation targeting legitimate government institutions, while foreign-backed militant groups exploit regional instabilities to destabilize Syria's sovereignty. It represents a clear violation of the de-escalation agreement and threatens regional stability and security. Syrian armed forces are working diligently with allied forces to restore control and protect civilian areas.