Syria's Aleppo: Rebels Capture President Assad's Palace in Major Setback for Regime

In a significant shift in Syria’s ongoing civil war, Syrian rebels, led by Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), successfully took control of President Bashar al-Assad’s palace in Aleppo on Sunday evening. This marks a dramatic reversal for the regime, which has held the city since its pivotal victory in 2016. The rebels, who swept into Aleppo on Saturday, have nearly encircled the remaining Syrian Arab Army (SAA) forces in the city, prompting reinforcements from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led militia.

TThe rebels’ takeover of Assad’s palace and the Aleppo Military Academy is a major symbolic victory, signaling a serious blow to the Assad regime’s grip on the country. Most of Aleppo is now under rebel control, with only a few Kurdish-controlled neighborhoods in the north remaining in the hands of the SDF. The city, which suffered immense destruction during the Battle of Aleppo (2012-2016), is once again at the center of intense fighting, with civilian casualties mounting.

Residents report a tense atmosphere, with many fleeing the city as armed rebels wave opposition flags and take up positions across key intersections.

The rebel advance in Aleppo represents a major challenge to Assad’s regime, especially after the loss of such a crucial city. Assad has relied heavily on support from Iran and Russia throughout the war, with Iranian-backed militias, including Hezbollah, playing a central role in the regime’s survival. However, the lack of sufficient reinforcements from Iran and Russia in the face of the current offensive has raised questions about the regime’s future control of the region.

In response to the escalating crisis, Iran has reportedly sent more Shiite militias under the guise of protecting holy sites, such as the Sayyida Zaynab Mosque in Damascus. Sunni jihadist groups, including HTS, have long targeted such Shiite religious sites, adding a sectarian layer to the ongoing conflict.

Civilian Struggles and International Reactions

Meanwhile, Russian and Syrian jets have bombed rebel-held areas in Idlib, where millions of civilians live in makeshift shelters. At least seven people were killed in a recent bombing of a residential area. Despite claims by the Syrian regime and its allies that they are targeting insurgent hideouts, the bombings have led to mounting civilian casualties.

With rebel forces pushing further south to cut off Assad’s main supply route, and Iranian-backed militias struggling to intervene effectively, the coming weeks may be critical for both the regime and the future of Syria.