Government forces in Syria have officially withdrawn from the city of Aleppo, succumbing to an intensified offensive launched by rebels opposing President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The withdrawal highlights a significant shift in control over the country’s second-largest city, indicating escalating tensions in an ongoing civil war that has raged for years.
In a statement, the Syrian army acknowledged that rebel factions have successfully taken large sections of Aleppo. However, military officials have vowed to launch a counteroffensive in an attempt to regain control over the city.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in at least 300 fatalities since the offensive commenced on Wednesday, with reports indicating that at least 20 of those killed were civilians. The surge in violence marks the most intense fighting seen in Syria in recent years, raising concerns over the humanitarian crisis and further destabilization in the region.
As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, with fears that the conflict could escalate further and impact neighboring areas.