A dramatic situation emerges from a special report by the Saudi Al Hadath channel: Aleppo, the economic and historical center of Syria, is now largely under the control of the Islamic factions. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its forces have taken over most of the city, including the strategic international airport, with the exception of a few neighborhoods controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Another dramatic development is taking place in Hama, the historical stronghold of the Syrian regime. According to the report, HTS forces are advancing in the city’s countryside and have even attacked its military airport with drones. The forces have already taken control of key strategic points, including Mount Sheshabu, which overlooks the entire area.
At the same time, the province of Idlib, which is considered the last stronghold of the rebels in Syria, is now under the full control of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. The organization, which was formerly affiliated with al-Qaeda, calls its operations “deterring aggression” and is expanding its control towards other areas. The rapid progress of the Islamic forces includes taking over a number of strategic settlements, including the Bridges, Ka’uqb, Ma’an, al-Raitiyya and others. In the northern outskirts of Aleppo, the factions captured the city of Tal Rifaa and the Min military airport after clashes with SDF forces.
Experts estimate that the factions’ takeover of two major airports and their establishment in the main cities marks a dramatic change in the balance of power in northern Syria. The weakening control of the Syrian regime in these areas, especially in Aleppo and Hama, may significantly affect the continuation of the fighting and the stability of the entire region.