Russia launched a series of airstrikes in Syria on Sunday as rebel forces advanced following their capture of Aleppo, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). The strikes hit various targets, including a hospital in Aleppo, where twelve people were reported dead, and the city of Idlib, where eight civilians were killed and more than 50 others were injured.
Rebel fighters, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and supported by Turkey, launched a surprise offensive on Wednesday, which culminated in the capture of Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city. This marks the first time the Syrian government has lost control of Aleppo since the civil war began. The ongoing conflict has led to more than 300 fatalities, including at least 20 civilians, as reported by SOHR.
On Saturday, Russian warplanes conducted airstrikes targeting areas in Idlib, where HTS has significant control, as well as other locations in Aleppo. These strikes follow a previous Russian bombardment of the city, marking their first strikes on Aleppo since 2016.
Meanwhile, rebel forces have pushed southward from Aleppo, seizing towns in the countryside near Hama, while Syrian forces reinforced their positions with heavy artillery and troops. The Syrian government has vowed to defend its territory and restore control, claiming that rebel forces are fleeing from the region after taking some ground.
The escalating conflict has raised concerns about the humanitarian impact, as strikes on residential areas and civilian infrastructure have resulted in numerous casualties. UN Special Envoy Geir O Pederson warned of the severe risks to civilians and called for urgent political engagement to resolve the crisis.
The conflict in Syria, which began in 2011, has caused half a million deaths and displaced millions. While a ceasefire in 2020 brought some stability, the situation in north-western Syria, particularly in Idlib and Aleppo, remains volatile.