This story at a glance…

1. Syrian and Russian forces launched airstrikes on Aleppo after rebels seized the city in a surprise offensive.

2. The attacks have killed dozens, including civilians in displaced persons camps in Idlib.

3. Rebel forces capitalized on Assad’s allies, Russia and Iran, being distracted by conflicts elsewhere.

4. International powers call for peace, but the war’s complexity makes resolution elusive

Aleppo Bombarded Amid Renewed Syrian Conflict

Aleppo, a city once celebrated as Syria’s cultural and economic heart, is again a battlefield. Syrian and Russian forces have launched airstrikes on rebel-held areas in Aleppo and Idlib, responding to a rapid rebel offensive that seized Aleppo last week. The assault has reignited conflict in a war that had largely stagnated since 2020.

The strikes have caused widespread destruction. In Idlib, where many displaced Syrians have sought refuge, bombs destroyed residential buildings, killing five civilians and injuring 30 others, according to the White Helmets rescue organization. "We are digging through rubble, hoping to find survivors,” said one White Helmets volunteer. In Aleppo, residential areas were also targeted, leaving families displaced and terrified.

Rebels Resurface as a Significant Threat
The rebels’ capture of Aleppo marks a major challenge to President Bashar al-Assad. Led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham—a group formerly tied to al-Qaeda—rebels overran Aleppo and surrounding towns in just one day. Aleppo, Syria’s largest city before the war, has long been a strategic prize for both the government and opposition forces.

Analysts suggest the rebels timed their offensive to exploit vulnerabilities in Assad’s alliances. Russia has diverted military resources to its war in Ukraine, while Iran’s influence in the region is being tested by escalating conflicts with Israel. These distractions allowed the rebels to regroup and strike decisively.

Government Forces Bolster Defenses
To counter the rebel gains, Assad has turned to allies for reinforcements. Hundreds of fighters from Iran-backed Iraqi militias crossed into Syria to support government troops. “Fresh fighters are being sent to aid our comrades on the front lines,” a Syrian military official told Reuters.

Iran has pledged further support, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declaring that “resistance groups will help, and Iran will provide any support needed.” Meanwhile, Russian and Syrian warplanes have intensified airstrikes on rebel-held areas, targeting towns and camps in Idlib and Aleppo.

The Human Toll of Renewed Conflict
The renewed violence has deepened the suffering of Syria’s civilians, many of whom have already endured years of displacement. Millions are living in camps under harsh conditions, and the latest airstrikes have only added to their plight.

In Idlib, bombs hit a displaced persons camp, killing seven people, including five children. “We are living in fear, with nowhere else to go,” said one resident. The White Helmets estimate that at least 58 people have died in airstrikes between November 27 and December 1.

International Calls for De-Escalation
The resurgence of fighting has drawn global condemnation. The United States, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement urging an immediate de-escalation and emphasizing the need for a Syrian-led political resolution. Yet, the path to peace remains fraught with obstacles.

While Western nations oppose Assad’s regime for its human rights abuses, they are also wary of some rebel factions, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which the U.S. designates as a terrorist group. Turkey, a key player in the conflict, supports certain rebel factions while targeting Kurdish-led groups it considers threats.

The complexity of Syria’s war—with overlapping interests among Assad’s government, rebel groups, Kurdish factions, and foreign powers—continues to defy resolution.

Reflection
In the midst of such devastation, we are reminded of Jesus’ words in John 16:33: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” As Christians, we are called to be agents of peace, seeking justice for the oppressed and comfort for the hurting. Let us pray for Syria, for the innocent lives caught in the crossfire, and for a resolution that brings lasting peace. May God’s light shine in the darkest corners, offering hope to a weary world.