#Gravitas As Syrian rebels gain ground, Russia is standing firm and putting West and its allies on notice. Stating it will not hesitate to unleash its nuclear might to safeguard its strategic interests in Ukraine and Syria. Will this reshape the power balance in Syria? Will it deter the West and its allies?

Russia To Defend Syria, Ukraine Strategic Interests With Nuclear Might | Gravitas | WION

Top headlines of the hour: - Rebels Take Over Jordan Border - Protests In South Korea - Canada Jobless Rate

Rebels Take Over Jordan Border | Protests In South Korea | Canada Jobless Rate | WION Headlines

Earlier this week, the Russian army claimed to have launched hypersonic missiles during naval and air force drills in the eastern Mediterranean. It was the first time, the actual design of the “zircon” hypersonic cruise missile was revealed. This comes at a time when its ally Syria is losing grounds to rebels. The military said the number of Russian troops stationed in the region had been increased to take part in the exercises.

Syria's 'Theatre of War' tag to return? | The West Asia Post | World News | WION

Syrian rebels seized the city of Hama on Thursday, marking a significant triumph in their week-long rapid offensive across northern Syria. This victory deals a severe setback to President Bashar al-Assad and his allies, Russia and Iran.

Armed Syrian Rebels Pledge To Advance Towards Damascus

On November 27th, Syrian rebels advanced eastward toward Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city. within two days, the insurgents had seized control of Aleppo, forcing the Syrian army to retreat and announce temporary withdrawal. later that week, the Syrian military lost dozens of soldiers to the fighting. marking the first major flare-up in years between both sides. so, who are the rebels battering Syria's Bashar al-Assad regime, and what is the conflict in Syria?

Thousands Flee Syrian City Homs As Rebels Advance Further | Wion Fineprint | WION

Rebels Celebrate After Capturing Key Syrian City Hama

Syria Launches Counteroffensive On Rebels | The West Asia Post | World News | WION

Syrian rebels captured the city of Hama on Thursday, a major victory in a week-old lightning advance across northern Syria and a devastating new blow to President Bashar al-Assad and his Russian and Iranian allies.

Syrian Rebels Capture Key City Of Hama In Fresh Blow To Assad

<p>Syrian government forces launched airstrikes on a major highway linking the cities of Homs and Hama in a bid to thwart the advances of rebel groups, a war monitor said Friday (Dec 6). On Thursday, Islamist fighters took control of the strategic city of Hama; which is just 40 kilometres away from Homs, Syria’s third-largest city.</p>

<p>“Fighter jets executed several airstrikes, targeting Al-Rastan bridge on (the) Homs-Hama highway... as well as attacking positions around the bridge, attempting to cut off the road between Hama and Homs and secure Homs," the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.</p>

<p>The war monitor added that forces of Syria President Bashar al-Assad had also placed soil barriers on the highway north of Homs. Following the capture of Hama after street battles between rebels of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group and the Syrian army, panic-struck residents of Homs, especially those hailing from Assad's Alawite minority community, were seen fleeing the city.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Iran Sends Regional Fighters To Syria: Can They Save Assad Again?</strong></p>

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<p>Earlier, rebels were seen firing celebratory gunfire as they entered Syria's fourth-largest city of Hama. AFP reported several residents appeared to welcome the rebels. Syrian Defence Minister Ali Abbas claimed that the army’s withdrawal from Hama was a "temporary tactical measure".</p>

<p>"Our forces are still in the vicinity," he said in a statement carried by the official SANA news agency.</p>

<p>In a statement released later, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani said his fighters had entered Hama to "cleanse the wound that has endured in Syria for 40 years", referring to a crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood in 1982, which led to thousands of deaths.</p>

<p>Since the rebels launched their offensive last week and seized the strategic city of Aleppo; at least 826 people, including soldiers, civilians and rebels, have died. It marks the most intense fighting since 2020 in the civil war sparked by the repression of pro-democracy protests in 2011.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


Syrian government forces launched airstrikes on a major highway linking the cities of Homs and Hama in a bid to thwart the advances of rebel groups, a war monitor said Friday (Dec 6).

Syrian government forces launched airstrikes on a major highway linking the cities of Homs and Hama in a bid to thwart the advances of rebel groups, a war monitor said Friday (Dec 6). On Thursday, Islamist fighters took control of the strategic city of Hama; which is just 40 kilometres away from Homs, Syria’s third-largest city. “Fighter jets executed several airstrikes, targeting Al-Rastan bridge on (the) Homs-Hama highway... as well as attacking positions around the bridge, attempting to cut off the road between Hama and Homs and secure Homs," the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The war monitor added that forces of Syria President Bashar al-Assad had also placed soil barriers on the highway north of Homs. Following the capture of Hama after street battles between rebels of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group and the Syrian army, panic-struck residents of Homs, especially those hailing from Assad's Alawite minority community, were seen fleeing the city. Watch: Iran Sends Regional Fighters To Syria: Can They Save Assad Again? × Earlier, rebels were seen firing celebratory gunfire as they entered Syria's fourth-largest city of Hama. AFP reported several residents appeared to welcome the rebels. Syrian Defence Minister Ali Abbas claimed that the army’s withdrawal from Hama was a "temporary tactical measure". "Our forces are still in the vicinity," he said in a statement carried by the official SANA news agency. In a statement released later, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani said his fighters had entered Hama to "cleanse the wound that has endured in Syria for 40 years", referring to a crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood in 1982, which led to thousands of deaths. Since the rebels launched their offensive last week and seized the strategic city of Aleppo; at least 826 people, including soldiers, civilians and rebels, have died. It marks the most intense fighting since 2020 in the civil war sparked by the repression of pro-democracy protests in 2011. (With inputs from agencies)

Syrian govt ‘bombs’ key bridge in bid to secure Homs as rebels seize Hama city

<p>Syrian rebel chief Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, head of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, sent an official message Thursday using his real name for the first time after his fighters seized the strategic city of Hama.</p>

<p>"We congratulate the people of Hama for their victory," said the message, bearing an image of Jolani and signed "Commander Ahmed al-Sharaa".</p>

<p>The message was posted on the Telegram channel of rebel factions' leadership, created just days after the offensive began on November 27.</p>

<p>In an interview in 2021 with American public broadcaster PBS, Jolani confirmed his real name was Ahmed al-Sharaa, and said his more frequently used nom de guerre was a reference to his family origins in Syria's Golan Heights.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-forces-fight-to-stop-rebel-advance-in-key-central-city-hama-781752"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Syria forces fight to stop rebel advance in key central city of Hama</strong></a></p>

<p>Israel seized much of the Golan Heights from Syria in 1967 and later annexed it in a move largely unrecognised by the international community.</p>

<p>Jolani, born in 1982, told PBS his grandfather was displaced from the Golan when the Israeli army entered the area.</p>

<p>The apparent switch in names comes as his fighters seize control of swathes of Syrian territory from the government, including the key cities of Aleppo and Hama.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Syrian Conflict: Rebel Factions Enter Hama, Oust Pro-govt Forces From Key City | World News | WION</strong></p>

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<p>HTS has sought to moderate its image in recent years, including by cutting ties with its one-time sponsor Al-Qaeda, but experts say it faces an uphill battle convincing Western governments it has fully renounced hardline jihadism.</p>

<p>HTS says it no longer has any links to Al-Qaeda after severing them in 2016, five years into Syria's civil war.</p>

<p>It took on its current name the following year, arresting Al-Qaeda and Islamic State group jihadists, according to the International Crisis Group (ICG) think tank.</p>

<p>But it remains blacklisted by the United States and the European Union.</p>

<p>Several experts have warned the group has not fundamentally broken with its past despite its rebranding.</p>

<p>On Wednesday, images posted on HTS's Telegram channel showed the bearded Jolani waving to supporters from an open-top car as he visited Aleppo's landmark citadel.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


Syrian rebel chief Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, head of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, sent an official message Thursday using his real name for the first time after his fighters seized the strategic city of Hama.

Syrian rebel chief Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, head of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, sent an official message Thursday using his real name for the first time after his fighters seized the strategic city of Hama. "We congratulate the people of Hama for their victory," said the message, bearing an image of Jolani and signed "Commander Ahmed al-Sharaa". The message was posted on the Telegram channel of rebel factions' leadership, created just days after the offensive began on November 27. In an interview in 2021 with American public broadcaster PBS, Jolani confirmed his real name was Ahmed al-Sharaa, and said his more frequently used nom de guerre was a reference to his family origins in Syria's Golan Heights. Also read: Syria forces fight to stop rebel advance in key central city of Hama Israel seized much of the Golan Heights from Syria in 1967 and later annexed it in a move largely unrecognised by the international community. Jolani, born in 1982, told PBS his grandfather was displaced from the Golan when the Israeli army entered the area. The apparent switch in names comes as his fighters seize control of swathes of Syrian territory from the government, including the key cities of Aleppo and Hama. Watch | Syrian Conflict: Rebel Factions Enter Hama, Oust Pro-govt Forces From Key City | World News | WION × HTS has sought to moderate its image in recent years, including by cutting ties with its one-time sponsor Al-Qaeda, but experts say it faces an uphill battle convincing Western governments it has fully renounced hardline jihadism. HTS says it no longer has any links to Al-Qaeda after severing them in 2016, five years into Syria's civil war. It took on its current name the following year, arresting Al-Qaeda and Islamic State group jihadists, according to the International Crisis Group (ICG) think tank. But it remains blacklisted by the United States and the European Union. Several experts have warned the group has not fundamentally broken with its past despite its rebranding. On Wednesday, images posted on HTS's Telegram channel showed the bearded Jolani waving to supporters from an open-top car as he visited Aleppo's landmark citadel. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Syrian conflict: Rebel leader uses real name for first time in official message

Syrian rebels fighting against President Bashar al-Assad's regime have now surrounded the key city of Hamama from all three sides and directions, according to a war monitor. Syria's Human Rights Observatory has reported that the rebel forces are now just 3 to 4 kilometers away from Hamama city, with only one exit toward homs in the south. Watch in for more details!

Syrian Rebels: Over 115,000 People Displaced From Aleppo City: United Nations

Syrian rebels secured control of the city of Hama on Thursday following the withdrawal of government forces from the strategically vital and historically significant central city. This victory marks the second major success for the newly established rebel coalition, which had previously taken control of Aleppo just last week. Watch to know more!

Syrian Conflict: Rebel Factions Enter Hama, Oust Pro-govt Forces From Key City | World News | WION

Syrian Rebels Capture Key City Of Hama As Army Withdraws | World News | WION

Iran said it will considers sending troops to Syria if requested by President Bashar Al-Assad

Iran Sends Regional Fighters To Syria: Can They Save Assad Again?

<p>Syrian government forces were locked in heavy fighting around the central city of Hama on Thursday, trying to halt an advance of Islamist-led rebels, a war monitor said.</p>

<p>The fighting around Hama follows a rapid offensive by the rebels, who in just days captured large chunks of territory, including Syria's second city, Aleppo, from President Bashar al-Assad's control.</p>

<p>Strategically located in central Syria, Hama is crucial for the army’s efforts to protect the capital, Damascus.</p>

<p>By late Wednesday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said rebel fighters had "surrounded Hama city from three sides".</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrias-devastated-city-of-aleppo-back-in-rebel-hands-781342"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Syria's devastated city of Aleppo back in rebel hands</strong></a></p>

<p>"Violent clashes took place during the night between the rebels and the regime forces", particularly in the Jabal Zayn al-Abidin area, just north of Hama, said the Britain-based monitor.</p>

<p>The head of the Observatory, Rami Abdel Rahman, said government troops were engaged in "fierce resistance and trying to stop the rebels' advance".</p>

<p>Syrian state media quoted a military source late Wednesday as saying Russian and Syrian air forces, alongside artillery units, had conducted "concentrated strikes on the... terrorists" in the Hama area.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;War In Syria: Rebels Claim Victory In Tel Rifaat</strong></p>

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<p>Maya, a 22-year-old student who gave her first name only for security concerns, said she and her family were staying at home as the fighting rages outside.</p>

<p>"We have been hearing non-stop the sounds of explosions and shelling," she told AFP by telephone from Hama.</p>

<p>"We don't know what's going on outside."</p>

<h2><strong>Rebel leader tours citadel&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Observatory, which relies on a network of sources in Syria, says 704 people, mostly combatants but also 110 civilians, have been killed in Syria since the violence erupted last week.</p>

<p>It marks the most intense fighting since 2020 in a country already ravaged by civil war, which erupted with the repression of pro-democracy protests in 2011.</p>

<p>Key to the rebels' successes since the start of the offensive last week was the takeover of Aleppo, which in more than a decade of war had never entirely fallen out of government hands.</p>

<p>The head of the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, on Wednesday visited Aleppo's landmark citadel.</p>

<p>Jolani was seen waving to supporters from an open-top car as he visited the historic fortress, in images posted on the rebels' Telegram channel.</p>

<p>While the advancing rebels found little resistance earlier in their offensive, the fighting around Hama has been especially fierce.</p>

<p>Assad ordered a 50 per cent raise in career soldiers' pay, state news agency SANA reported, as he seeks to bolster his forces for the counteroffensive.</p>

<p>The Observatory said government forces brought "large military convoys to Hama" and its outskirts.</p>

<p>It said, "Regime forces and pro-government fighters led by Russian and Iranian officers were able to repel&nbsp;an attack northwest of Hama."</p>

<p>The monitor also said that the fighting was close to an area mainly populated by Alawites, followers of the same offshoot of Shiite Islam as the president.</p>

<h2><strong>'Scorched-earth counteroffensive'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The rebels launched their offensive in northern Syria on November 27, the same day a ceasefire took effect in the war between Israel and Hezbollah in neighbouring Lebanon.</p>

<p>Both Hezbollah and Russia have been key backers of Assad's government, but have been more recently mired in their own respective conflicts.</p>

<p>The United Nations on Wednesday said 115,000 people had been "newly displaced across Idlib and northern Aleppo" by the fighting.</p>

<p>Human Rights Watch warned the fighting "raises concerns that civilians face a real risk of serious abuses at the hands of opposition armed groups and the Syrian government".</p>

<p>Until last week, the war in Syria had been mostly dormant for years, but analysts have said the violence was bound to flare up as it was never truly resolved.</p>

<p>Spearheading the rebel alliance is HTS, which is rooted in Syria's Al-Qaeda branch.</p>

<p>"HTS has had a lot of time and space and resources to organise itself and to prepare for this," said analyst Sam Heller of the US-based Century Foundation think tank.</p>

<p>How the fighting unfolds now "depends on whether the Syrian government can regain its footing", Heller said.</p>

<p>"Opposition forces currently pushing south will likely get stuck somewhere in Syria's centre, when they run into really motivated and intractable loyalist resistance," he said.</p>

<p>"At that point, it will be a question of whether Damascus has the means to mount the type of scorched-earth counteroffensive I assume it would like to execute."</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


Syrian government forces were locked in heavy fighting around the central city of Hama on Thursday, trying to halt an advance of Islamist-led rebels, a war monitor said.

Syrian government forces were locked in heavy fighting around the central city of Hama on Thursday, trying to halt an advance of Islamist-led rebels, a war monitor said. The fighting around Hama follows a rapid offensive by the rebels, who in just days captured large chunks of territory, including Syria's second city, Aleppo, from President Bashar al-Assad's control. Strategically located in central Syria, Hama is crucial for the army’s efforts to protect the capital, Damascus. By late Wednesday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said rebel fighters had "surrounded Hama city from three sides". Also read: Syria's devastated city of Aleppo back in rebel hands "Violent clashes took place during the night between the rebels and the regime forces", particularly in the Jabal Zayn al-Abidin area, just north of Hama, said the Britain-based monitor. The head of the Observatory, Rami Abdel Rahman, said government troops were engaged in "fierce resistance and trying to stop the rebels' advance". Syrian state media quoted a military source late Wednesday as saying Russian and Syrian air forces, alongside artillery units, had conducted "concentrated strikes on the... terrorists" in the Hama area. Watch | War In Syria: Rebels Claim Victory In Tel Rifaat × Maya, a 22-year-old student who gave her first name only for security concerns, said she and her family were staying at home as the fighting rages outside. "We have been hearing non-stop the sounds of explosions and shelling," she told AFP by telephone from Hama. "We don't know what's going on outside." Rebel leader tours citadel The Observatory, which relies on a network of sources in Syria, says 704 people, mostly combatants but also 110 civilians, have been killed in Syria since the violence erupted last week. It marks the most intense fighting since 2020 in a country already ravaged by civil war, which erupted with the repression of pro-democracy protests in 2011. Key to the rebels' successes since the start of the offensive last week was the takeover of Aleppo, which in more than a decade of war had never entirely fallen out of government hands. The head of the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, on Wednesday visited Aleppo's landmark citadel. Jolani was seen waving to supporters from an open-top car as he visited the historic fortress, in images posted on the rebels' Telegram channel. While the advancing rebels found little resistance earlier in their offensive, the fighting around Hama has been especially fierce. Assad ordered a 50 per cent raise in career soldiers' pay, state news agency SANA reported, as he seeks to bolster his forces for the counteroffensive. The Observatory said government forces brought "large military convoys to Hama" and its outskirts. It said, "Regime forces and pro-government fighters led by Russian and Iranian officers were able to repel an attack northwest of Hama." The monitor also said that the fighting was close to an area mainly populated by Alawites, followers of the same offshoot of Shiite Islam as the president. 'Scorched-earth counteroffensive' The rebels launched their offensive in northern Syria on November 27, the same day a ceasefire took effect in the war between Israel and Hezbollah in neighbouring Lebanon. Both Hezbollah and Russia have been key backers of Assad's government, but have been more recently mired in their own respective conflicts. The United Nations on Wednesday said 115,000 people had been "newly displaced across Idlib and northern Aleppo" by the fighting. Human Rights Watch warned the fighting "raises concerns that civilians face a real risk of serious abuses at the hands of opposition armed groups and the Syrian government". Until last week, the war in Syria had been mostly dormant for years, but analysts have said the violence was bound to flare up as it was never truly resolved. Spearheading the rebel alliance is HTS, which is rooted in Syria's Al-Qaeda branch. "HTS has had a lot of time and space and resources to organise itself and to prepare for this," said analyst Sam Heller of the US-based Century Foundation think tank. How the fighting unfolds now "depends on whether the Syrian government can regain its footing", Heller said. "Opposition forces currently pushing south will likely get stuck somewhere in Syria's centre, when they run into really motivated and intractable loyalist resistance," he said. "At that point, it will be a question of whether Damascus has the means to mount the type of scorched-earth counteroffensive I assume it would like to execute." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Syria forces fight to stop rebel advance in key central city of Hama

The Syrian conflict has resurfaced at the UN, with the U.S. and Russia exchanging blame over the escalating violence. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions and the complex dynamics surrounding the crisis.

Syria 'Theatre Of War' Tag To Return As Conflict Enters New Phase? | WION Fineprint

Russia claims to have launched hypersonic missiles during naval and air force drills in the eastern Mediterranean. The drills coincide with Russia's allies, Syria, losing ground to rebels in the country. Watch in for more details!

Russian Military Carries Out Drills In Eastern Mediterranean

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<p>US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Wednesday (Dec. 4)&nbsp;against a resurgence of the Islamic State group in Syria, as he called for a de-escalation in fighting in the war-torn country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Syria has seen its worst violence in years after Islamist-led rebels launched a lightning offensive to seize swathes of territory from President Bashar al-Assad's control.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Hezbollah-Israel War: IDF Warns 'No Immunity' To Lebanon If War Resumes&nbsp;</strong><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p>"Right now, I think what's so critical is that we see de-escalation, we ensure that civilians are protected throughout Syria, and maybe most critically, that there's a political process that moves forward," Blinken said on the sidelines of a NATO meeting in Brussels.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have enduring interests, enduring security interests in Syria, particularly the interest in making sure that ISIS doesn't resurrect and doesn't come back."</p>

<p>US-led forces defeated the Islamic State group in Iraq in 2017 and Syria in 2019, but jihadist fighters still operate in remote desert areas, although they no longer control territory.</p>

<p>The US military has around 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq as part of the international anti-IS coalition that was established in 2014 to help combat the jihadists.</p>

<p>"We also have in Syria many foreign terrorist fighters, as well as their families, who are in camps," Blinken said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We've been working very hard to see them repatriated to their countries of origin, but there are many thousands who remain, and we certainly don't want to see those foreign terrorist fighters re-emerge."</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Wednesday (Dec. 4) against a resurgence of the Islamic State group in Syria, as he called for a de-escalation in fighting in the war-torn country.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Wednesday (Dec. 4) against a resurgence of the Islamic State group in Syria, as he called for a de-escalation in fighting in the war-torn country. Syria has seen its worst violence in years after Islamist-led rebels launched a lightning offensive to seize swathes of territory from President Bashar al-Assad's control. Watch | Hezbollah-Israel War: IDF Warns 'No Immunity' To Lebanon If War Resumes × "Right now, I think what's so critical is that we see de-escalation, we ensure that civilians are protected throughout Syria, and maybe most critically, that there's a political process that moves forward," Blinken said on the sidelines of a NATO meeting in Brussels. "We have enduring interests, enduring security interests in Syria, particularly the interest in making sure that ISIS doesn't resurrect and doesn't come back." US-led forces defeated the Islamic State group in Iraq in 2017 and Syria in 2019, but jihadist fighters still operate in remote desert areas, although they no longer control territory. The US military has around 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq as part of the international anti-IS coalition that was established in 2014 to help combat the jihadists. "We also have in Syria many foreign terrorist fighters, as well as their families, who are in camps," Blinken said. "We've been working very hard to see them repatriated to their countries of origin, but there are many thousands who remain, and we certainly don't want to see those foreign terrorist fighters re-emerge." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warns against resurrection of IS in Syria

Syrian rebel forces arrived at the gates of the key city of Hama on Tuesday, as their fighting with the military sparked "a large wave of displacement", a war monitor said. The Islamist-led rebels were advancing on Syria's fourth-largest city, buoyed by their lightning capture of swathes of the north in an offensive that ended four years of relative calm.Following an uprising against the government in 2011, Syrian opposition forces have taken control of much of Aleppo, Syria's largest city, and are now moving southward, posing the biggest threat to President Bashar al-Assad in years

Syria Civil War: Massive Wave Of Displacement In Hama City Due To Infighting | World News | WION

<p>Aleppo had been slowly recovering from the wounds inflicted by more than a decade of civil war when forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad fled last week's rebel onslaught.</p>

<p>Apart from a few northern districts, most of the city -- much of which had been devastated in the conflict -- is now in the hands of Islamist-led rebels opposed to Assad.</p>

<p>Here is how Aleppo has suffered since the civil war erupted in 2011, when Syria's former economic and cultural capital had an estimated population of two million people.</p>

<h2><strong>- Wary Christians -</strong></h2>

<p>When the uprising began against Assad, there were about 200,000 Christians, including 50,000 ethnic Armenians, living in Aleppo, where the majority are Muslims. But that figure has since fallen to 30,000 Christians, a third of them Armenian, according to sources within the community.</p>

<p>The arrival last week of the radical rebels, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), caused huge concern among Christians in the city. HTS representatives have been to a convent and a hospital run by Christians in a bid to assure them of their safety, the community sources said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-nato-chief-sidesteps-talk-of-kyivs-membership-says-priority-is-781242">Russia-Ukraine war: NATO chief sidesteps talk of Kyiv's membership, says 'priority is...'</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>- Divided and devastated -</strong></h2>

<p>Aleppo was an early venue for demonstrations against Assad in 2011 that turned into the civil war. By July 2012, the Syrian Free Army had taken half of the city.</p>

<p>For four years, Aleppo was divided between a loyalist sector in the west -- with most of the population -- and rebels in a small zone in the east.</p>

<p>The Syrian regime was accused of dropping "barrel bombs" from helicopters and other aircraft onto rebel areas. The insurgents fired rockets into government territory.</p>

<p>Russia came to Assad's assistance in September 2015, helping government forces to lay siege to the rebel zone by cutting off its last supply route.</p>

<p>Government forces reclaimed complete control of the city on December 22, 2016 when a final convoy of rebels and civilians left eastern Aleppo.</p>

<h2><strong>- Heritage collapse -</strong></h2>

<p>A key stop on the Silk Route between the Mediterranean and Mesopotamia, Aleppo is one of the world's oldest cities, dating back to 4,000 BC.</p>

<p>As a manufacturing centre, it was still the second most important city in the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century.</p>

<p>Aleppo's old city was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1986. With the civil war raging, it was added to UNESCO's endangered list in 2013.</p>

<p>The damage to the city has been widespread.</p>

<p>Part of Aleppo's ancient ramparts collapsed in July 2015. The minaret on the Great Mosque of Aleppo was also destroyed.</p>

<p>The Aleppo souk, with its 4,000 traders, was nearly burned down but has been partially rebuilt.</p>

<p>Aleppo's traditional music, Al-Qudoud al-Halabiya, is on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage. Performed at religious and entertainment events, it is often heard in the alleyways of the Old City.</p>

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Aleppo had been slowly recovering from the wounds inflicted by more than a decade of civil war when forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad fled last week's rebel onslaught.

Aleppo had been slowly recovering from the wounds inflicted by more than a decade of civil war when forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad fled last week's rebel onslaught. Apart from a few northern districts, most of the city -- much of which had been devastated in the conflict -- is now in the hands of Islamist-led rebels opposed to Assad. Here is how Aleppo has suffered since the civil war erupted in 2011, when Syria's former economic and cultural capital had an estimated population of two million people. - Wary Christians - When the uprising began against Assad, there were about 200,000 Christians, including 50,000 ethnic Armenians, living in Aleppo, where the majority are Muslims. But that figure has since fallen to 30,000 Christians, a third of them Armenian, according to sources within the community. The arrival last week of the radical rebels, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), caused huge concern among Christians in the city. HTS representatives have been to a convent and a hospital run by Christians in a bid to assure them of their safety, the community sources said. Also read: Russia-Ukraine war: NATO chief sidesteps talk of Kyiv's membership, says 'priority is...' - Divided and devastated - Aleppo was an early venue for demonstrations against Assad in 2011 that turned into the civil war. By July 2012, the Syrian Free Army had taken half of the city. For four years, Aleppo was divided between a loyalist sector in the west -- with most of the population -- and rebels in a small zone in the east. The Syrian regime was accused of dropping "barrel bombs" from helicopters and other aircraft onto rebel areas. The insurgents fired rockets into government territory. Russia came to Assad's assistance in September 2015, helping government forces to lay siege to the rebel zone by cutting off its last supply route. Government forces reclaimed complete control of the city on December 22, 2016 when a final convoy of rebels and civilians left eastern Aleppo. - Heritage collapse - A key stop on the Silk Route between the Mediterranean and Mesopotamia, Aleppo is one of the world's oldest cities, dating back to 4,000 BC. As a manufacturing centre, it was still the second most important city in the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century. Aleppo's old city was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1986. With the civil war raging, it was added to UNESCO's endangered list in 2013. The damage to the city has been widespread. Part of Aleppo's ancient ramparts collapsed in July 2015. The minaret on the Great Mosque of Aleppo was also destroyed. The Aleppo souk, with its 4,000 traders, was nearly burned down but has been partially rebuilt. Aleppo's traditional music, Al-Qudoud al-Halabiya, is on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage. Performed at religious and entertainment events, it is often heard in the alleyways of the Old City. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Syria's devastated city of Aleppo back in rebel hands

The prolonged Syrian conflict, which has caused immense human suffering and regional instability, remains one of the most complex international crises. With shifting alliances and geopolitical stakes involving players like Russia, Iran, Turkey, and the U.S., questions linger about the Trump administration's commitment to ending the war. Watch in for more details!

Syria: Shock Rebel Offensive Reignites Long-Running Civil War | World News | WION Fineprint

<p>Ukraine said Monday that Russia and Iran bear ultimate responsibility for intensified fighting in Syria where Islamist forces and allies have seized swathes of government-controlled territory.</p>

<p>Both Russia, which invaded Ukraine in 2022, and Iran have long backed President Bashar al-Assad and say they will help his forces fight back after Aleppo, Syria's second city, fell out of government control.</p>

<p>"Syria state is going through a new dangerous stage of the war, which could lead to unpredictable consequences for regional peace and security," the Ukrainian foreign ministry said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Syria Rebels: Iran President Pezeshkian Vows To Support Assad Government</strong></p>

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<p>"It is Moscow and Tehran that bear the main responsibility for the degradation of the security situation in Syria," it said in a statement, adding that Assad's rule was also to blame for Syrians' "suffering and hardships".</p>

<p>Kyiv, in the statement, hit out at Assad for recognising the Russian annexation of the Crimean peninsula in 2014 and said Ukrainians were also being targeted on a nightly basis by Iranian-designed drones.</p>

<p>"The Russian dictator Putin and his allies in Iran continue to make every effort not to lose control over the puppet Syrian regime, which is associated by the majority of Syrians with inhuman cruelty, tyranny, and crimes," the statement said.</p>

<p>Kyiv called for the territorial integrity of Syria to be respected and called for an end to the long-running conflict as soon as possible.</p>

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Ukraine said Monday that Russia and Iran bear ultimate responsibility for intensified fighting in Syria where Islamist forces and allies have seized swathes of government-controlled territory.

Ukraine said Monday that Russia and Iran bear ultimate responsibility for intensified fighting in Syria where Islamist forces and allies have seized swathes of government-controlled territory. Both Russia, which invaded Ukraine in 2022, and Iran have long backed President Bashar al-Assad and say they will help his forces fight back after Aleppo, Syria's second city, fell out of government control. "Syria state is going through a new dangerous stage of the war, which could lead to unpredictable consequences for regional peace and security," the Ukrainian foreign ministry said. Watch: Syria Rebels: Iran President Pezeshkian Vows To Support Assad Government × "It is Moscow and Tehran that bear the main responsibility for the degradation of the security situation in Syria," it said in a statement, adding that Assad's rule was also to blame for Syrians' "suffering and hardships". Kyiv, in the statement, hit out at Assad for recognising the Russian annexation of the Crimean peninsula in 2014 and said Ukrainians were also being targeted on a nightly basis by Iranian-designed drones. "The Russian dictator Putin and his allies in Iran continue to make every effort not to lose control over the puppet Syrian regime, which is associated by the majority of Syrians with inhuman cruelty, tyranny, and crimes," the statement said. Kyiv called for the territorial integrity of Syria to be respected and called for an end to the long-running conflict as soon as possible. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Kyiv blames Tehran, Moscow for Syria escalation as Islamists take on Assad

Headlines: - Blame Game Over Syria - Lebanon Alleges Truce Violation - Georgia Protests For EU

Blame Game Over Syria | Lebanon Alleges Truce Violation | Georgia Protests For EU | WION Headlines

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