Russian and Iranian Support for Assad as Rebels Attack Aleppo

Russian warplanes have joined Syrian air forces in bombing Islamist-led rebels who recently captured much of Aleppo, marking one of the biggest challenges to President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in recent years. The air strikes came after the rebels, led by the extremist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), launched a surprise offensive on November 27, taking control of large parts of the city.

In response to the escalating violence, Iran condemned the attack, calling it “aggression by terrorist elements” after the rebels reportedly targeted its consulate in Aleppo. No casualties were reported, but Iran's foreign minister claimed that the attack was part of a broader plan by Israel and the U.S. to destabilize the region.

The Russian and Iranian foreign ministers expressed their continued support for Assad’s government, with Russia’s Defense Ministry confirming air strikes against the rebels. These strikes come as Russia has promised additional military aid to Syria, expected to arrive within days. Moscow has also reaffirmed its stance on Syria's sovereignty, condemning the rebel actions and calling for the restoration of order by the Assad regime.

The conflict pits Assad's forces, backed by Russia and Iran, against various rebel factions, including HTS, which has ties to Al-Qaeda. The city of Aleppo, once a key rebel stronghold, had been under government control for the past eight years but is now facing renewed instability.

As the violence escalates, fears grow that the situation in Aleppo could trigger a broader regional conflict, especially as tensions rise between Israel, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran.

In related news, Russian authorities carried out a series of coordinated raids on three of Moscow’s largest and most popular nightclubs on Friday night. Witnesses reported that dozens of police vehicles were stationed outside the venues as enforcement personnel, accompanied by K9 units, entered the establishments. The raids were described as chaotic, with attendees being escorted out in groups. While women were allowed to leave after their passports were photographed, male patrons were detained and taken to local military conscription offices.

One eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous, recalled the tense atmosphere inside, describing it as surreal. "It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. They came in and started checking IDs, taking the men away without much explanation. The music stopped, and everyone just froze," they said.

Eyewitnesses noted a constant flow of police vehicles carrying detainees to military offices.

The operation has sparked concern among both locals and human rights groups. The targeting of young men for immediate conscription highlights the Russian government's increasingly aggressive efforts to address its military manpower shortages.