Syrian opposition forces have continued their rapid offensive into regime-held territories, advancing into Aleppo for the first time since its capture by pro-regime forces in late 2016. The opposition’s surprise offensive, launched on November 27, has seen swift progress, with thousands of fighters and armored units seizing several villages within hours of the campaign’s start.
Fateh Mubin, an opposition group based in Idlib Province, declared on November 28 that they had captured 13 additional villages, achieving what they described as the “complete liberation” of the countryside west of Aleppo. The group has since designated the area a “closed military zone.”
Local sources reported that opposition forces acquired substantial military hardware, including armored vehicles, anti-tank guided missiles, and man-portable air defense systems from retreating Syrian Arab Army (SAA) forces.
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Over 20 pro-regime fighters were reportedly detained by opposition groups.
By November 29, opposition forces advanced into western Aleppo and subsequently pushed into the city center. Local reports and geolocated footage showed opposition fighters entering key locations, including a military hospital, police headquarters, and the Aleppo municipal building. A citywide curfew was declared by the advancing forces.
IRGC Losses
The opposition offensive resulted in the death of Brigadier General Kiomars Pour Hashemi, an Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) officer and military advisor to the Syrian regime. T
he IRGC confirmed his death, and a ceremony honoring him was held in Tehran on November 29, attended by IRGC Commander Major General Hossein Salami.
The Syrian regime’s forces have struggled to mount an effective response to the offensive. SAA-affiliated sources acknowledged being outnumbered by opposition fighters around Aleppo, with reports of SAA units retreating toward al Safirah, southeast of the city.
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However, these claims remain unverified.
In response, Russian forces conducted multiple airstrikes, some in coordination with the SAA, targeting opposition positions.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov condemned the offensive, calling it a violation of Syrian sovereignty and reaffirming Moscow’s support for President Bashar al Assad.
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