Syrian rebels reach Aleppo citadel in major advance

Opposition forces have reached central Aleppo, including its historic citadel, amid a swift offensive that began Wednesday, according to multiple sources.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports the rebel coalition, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has seized more than 50 towns and villages in the north. State media said troops had repelled the assault and retaken some positions.

The fighting has left 277 people dead, including 28 civilians mostly killed in Russian airstrikes, the Observatory said. Military sources told Reuters that Syrian authorities have closed Aleppo airport and cancelled all flights.

Two Syrian military sources said the regime expects additional Russian military support within 72 hours at the Hmeimim airbase near Latakia. Russian warplanes have conducted 23 raids on rebel positions, according to the Observatory.

The United Nations reports that more than 14,000 people, nearly half children, have been displaced by the violence. Rebels have also cut the M5 highway linking Aleppo to Damascus.

Turkey has called for an end to the bombardment. The Kremlin described the events as “an infringement on the sovereignty of Syria,” while Iran pledged continued support for the Syrian government.

The offensive, named ‘Deterring Aggression’, marks the most significant fighting since a 2020 ceasefire agreement between Turkey and Russia.