Unconfirmed reports indicate Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s plane was shot down following a rebel offensive that captured major cities, including Aleppo and Homs, and led to the reported fall of Damascus. The president’s disappearance from radar and subsequent altitude drop fuel these claims. Russia, a key Assad ally, is calling for dialogue between the warring factions, excluding the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which is leading the rebel charge. Rebels have declared Damascus liberated, while the situation remains highly volatile and unconfirmed.
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A Syrian rebel offensive, spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), is rapidly advancing towards Aleppo, exceeding Russia’s capacity to counter. Russia’s limited response stems from the significant redeployment of its air assets to support the Ukraine campaign, leaving insufficient forces in Syria. Experts suggest Turkish involvement in planning and supplying the rebels, potentially exploiting weaknesses in the Syrian army and its Russian support. The offensive’s success may significantly damage Russia’s reputation and ultimately prompt a delayed, potentially Wagner-affiliated, response.
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A Russian SU-24 airstrike on Aleppo University Hospital in Syria resulted in nine deaths and ten injuries. The attack occurred amidst ongoing fighting between Assad regime forces and anti-regime groups in Aleppo’s city center, escalating the conflict and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The targeting of a civilian hospital highlights the increasing danger to non-combatants. Local sources reported the incident, with emergency services responding to the significant damage and casualties.
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A Turkish-backed coalition of Islamist militant groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, launched a significant offensive in Syria’s Aleppo governate on November 27th. Reports suggest Ukrainian special forces may have provided training to these rebels, focusing on tactics used in the Ukraine war, although this remains unverified. The offensive, fueled by Russia’s troop deployment to Ukraine, has resulted in rebel gains, including the capture of numerous villages and military equipment. The swift rebel advance, coupled with attacks by the SDF, has reportedly surprised Syrian and Russian forces, leading to a tactical withdrawal and civilian casualties.
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Jihadist rebels seized control of Aleppo, Syria, in a major blow to President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, marking the largest challenge to his authority in years. Following days of intense fighting, Syrian Army forces withdrew from the city, leaving rebel fighters in control of key locations, including the city center and citadel. While the rebels claimed control of the airport, government troops reportedly remained present, and all flights were suspended. Russia launched airstrikes against the rebels, while Iran and Russia publicly expressed support for Syria and condemned the attacks.
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Gunfire and explosions erupted in Damascus on Saturday night amidst reports of a coup attempt led by Brigadier General Hassam Louka against President Bashar al-Assad, who was reportedly out of the country. Simultaneously, rebel groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, seized control of Aleppo and were advancing south, capturing numerous towns and cities in Hama province. The situation is further complicated by conflicting reports regarding Assad’s location, with some sources claiming he is in Moscow. These events represent a significant escalation in the ongoing Syrian conflict.
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The stunningly swift rebel capture of Aleppo airport and the majority of the city represents a dramatic turning point in the Syrian civil war, a conflict characterized by its relentless brutality and shifting alliances. This isn’t just a local skirmish; it’s a significant blow to Assad’s regime, backed by Russia and Iran, highlighting the potential fragility of their hold on power. The speed of the rebel advance, leaving Assad’s forces seemingly scrambling for a counter-offensive, suggests a considerable weakening of their overall capabilities.
Reports indicate that the rebels are pushing further, aiming potentially towards Hama, which is unsettling given the complex dynamics of the war.… Continue reading
Following a surprise incursion by Syrian rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, into government-held areas of Aleppo province, fighting has reached the city itself. The rapid rebel advance, attributed to insufficient Iranian-backed forces, marks the largest offensive since a 2020 de-escalation agreement. While Turkey denies supporting the attack, opposition sources suggest otherwise. The conflict has resulted in civilian casualties, prompting international concern and condemnation from the U.N. and Russia.
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A surprise offensive by Syrian opposition forces has resulted in their entry into Aleppo for the first time since 2016, sparking the most significant conflict in years. The offensive, launched Wednesday, has seen rebels capture key locations, including a military research center, and reach the city center. Government forces have reportedly retreated from some western Aleppo neighborhoods, while the regime and its allies, including Iran and Russia, have responded with airstrikes on rebel-held areas, resulting in civilian casualties. The situation remains fluid and rapidly evolving.
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Rebel groups, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, launched a large-scale offensive in Aleppo, Syria, targeting Russian and Syrian forces in at least ten areas. This attack, dubbed “Deterring Aggression,” follows increased Syrian and Russian airstrikes on Idlib and aims to counter a Syrian army buildup. Rebel advances have reached approximately 10 kilometers from Aleppo, including near Al-Nayrab airport and Shiite towns with Hezbollah presence. This marks the rebels’ first territorial gain since a 2020 ceasefire, and reports—unconfirmed by Newsweek—suggest Russian special forces casualties.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood