In a significant escalation of the ongoing Syrian conflict, Russia has launched a series of air strikes on rebel-held areas in Syria, with a particular focus on Idlib and Hama. These strikes are taking place as rebel forces push southward from Aleppo, marking some of the heaviest fighting in the region in recent years. The latest offensive has drawn widespread international attention, with many analysts closely monitoring the developments.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), based in the UK, the air strikes have targeted rural areas of Idlib and Hama. These regions have recently seen advances by the rebel group leading the push south, significantly altering the balance of control in the area. As the fighting intensifies, the consequences are dire, with the death toll rapidly rising. The SOHR reports that more than 300 people have been killed since the offensive began on Wednesday, including at least 20 civilians, a toll that is expected to climb as the situation unfolds.
In addition to the civilian casualties, the air strikes have caused widespread damage across the affected areas. On Sunday morning, the city of Idlib was hit by a new round of air strikes, leaving at least four people dead and around 50 others wounded. The attacks have left much of the city in ruins, with cars burning and residents emerging from buildings to survey the damage. This marks a continuation of the intense bombardment that has plagued Idlib in recent months.
The Russian involvement in Syria has been a pivotal factor in the government's ability to maintain control over much of the country. Since Russia's intervention in 2015, their air force has supported Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime, often turning the tide of battle in favor of the government forces. Moscow's recent strikes in Aleppo, a major urban center, are the first since 2016, signaling a shift in their military strategy as the rebels continue to gain ground.
President Bashar al-Assad has vowed to "defend" Syria against the growing rebel advances, which threaten to destabilize key regions under government control. Despite mounting international pressure and widespread criticism of the ongoing air strikes, Assad's government remains resolute in its efforts to regain full control of the country.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community is watching closely, with concerns mounting over the humanitarian impact of the violence. With both sides entrenched in their positions and no clear path to peace, the conflict shows little sign of abating in the near future.
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