Turkish-Backed Factions Advance in Aleppo and Idlib Amid Syrian Government Retreat

Since launching their coordinated assault on Wednesday, HTS and allied factions have made rapid territorial gains. In Aleppo, they have seized over ten districts, while in Idlib, they captured strategic villages and towns, including Saraqib, a key crossroads.

Advances in Aleppo

A commander from the opposition operations room “Repelling Aggression” told North Press that their forces had launched an evening assault on government positions in western Aleppo.

“Within hours, we secured control over more than 10 districts, including Sukari, Mashhad, Hamdaniya, New Aleppo, A’zamiya, Rashideen 4 and 5, Salah al-Din, Furqan, Saif al-Dawla, and the military academy,” the commander said.

The source confirmed that the attackers are now combing through additional districts while consolidating their hold. Government forces reportedly suffered significant casualties, with dozens killed or injured, as their defenses crumbled under the assault.

Strategic Gains in Idlib

In the eastern countryside of Idlib, HTS and Turkish-backed factions seized control of key villages, including Islamin and Sheikh Mansour, following their capture of the strategic town of Saraqib earlier in the day.

A North Press correspondent noted that the fall of Saraqib, which sits at the junction of major highways connecting Aleppo, Damascus, and Latakia, marks a critical blow to government forces. This advance further cements HTS’s position as a dominant force in northwest Syria.

Government Retreat and Opposition Consolidation

The coordinated attacks have exposed significant weaknesses in the Syrian government’s defensive lines in both Aleppo and Idlib. The rapid withdrawal of government troops from key positions highlights their inability to counter the well-coordinated assault by HTS and its allies, many of whom are supported by Turkey.

Turkish backing, which includes logistical and military support, has been instrumental in enabling HTS and allied factions to mount such large-scale offensives. However, this has drawn criticism from regional and international actors who view these factions as destabilizing forces in Syria.

Broader Implications

The latest developments in Aleppo and Idlib signify a dramatic shift in the power dynamics of northwest Syria. The fall of key districts in Aleppo and the strategic town of Saraqib may embolden HTS and Turkish-backed groups to push further into government-controlled territories.

At the same time, the collapse of government defenses raises questions about the sustainability of its military presence in northern Syria. The retreat underscores the challenges faced by Damascus as it grapples with multiple frontlines in a fragmented war.

As HTS and its allies consolidate their gains, the humanitarian impact on civilians in these areas remains a growing concern, with thousands at risk of displacement amid ongoing violence.