Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirms Assad forces lose control of Aleppo

The New York Times reported that, on Sunday, rebel forces had continued their rapid advance across northern Syria, seizing control of key areas. This follows their surprise capture of much of Aleppo the previous day. The rebels now control a significant stretch of territory spanning Hama, Idlib, and Aleppo provinces, according to local officials and the Observatory.

In Hama, government forces loyal to Assad were engaged in fierce battles to prevent the city from falling entirely into rebel hands. Syrian government warplanes, with support from Russian fighter jets, conducted strikes on rebel-held areas, resulting in civilian casualties, the Observatory reported. Russia, a key ally of Assad, has provided military support throughout the conflict, which began in 2011 following violent crackdowns on anti-government protests.

Meanwhile, the Syrian government issued statements downplaying rebel advances. Officials described reports of territorial losses as “false news” meant to demoralize citizens and troops. A government statement claimed their counteroffensive was “progressing successfully,” vowing to reclaim lost ground.

Across the recently reclaimed territories, scenes of defiance against Assad’s regime were evident. Residents tore down government flags and images of the president, while a statue of Bassel al-Assad, the president’s late brother, was toppled in Aleppo. Former residents of rebel-held Aleppo returned to their homes after years of displacement, underscoring the ongoing human toll of the conflict.

Despite government assertions, the scale of the rebel gains highlights the volatile and shifting dynamics of Syria’s ongoing civil war.