Turkish-backed armed factions led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham announce control over parts of Holeb (Aleppo) in surprise offensive in northwestern Syria

HOLEB, Syria — Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), alongside Turkish-proxy groups in the Syrian National Army (SNA) have seized control of 50 towns in the countryside of Holeb (Aleppo) and (Edleb) Idlib in a surprise offensive that has forced units of the Syrian regime and its allies into an unorganized retreat. The factions are reportedly aiming to gain control of key roads leading to Holeb.

The factions involved in the offensive against Syrian regime forces are now just 2 kilometers from the center of Holeb after penetrating its outskirts.

In a separate development, the Syrian News Agency reported that four students were killed in an attack by armed factions targeting the University City campus in Holeb on Friday.

The death toll from the ongoing clashes in northwestern Syria between opposition militants and Syrian regime forces is reportedly in the hundreds. While both sides have suffered casualties, the brunt of the losses have been on the side of the regime.

Iranian media confirmed the death of a senior Iranian military adviser during the battles near Holeb.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin has called for the Syrian regime to restore constitutional order in Holeb as soon as possible following the opposition’s territorial gains in the region, marking their first significant advances there in years. Russian forces have also reportedly withdrawn from air bases and other locations along the front line.