Rebels Advance in Syria, Taking Parts of Aleppo in Major Offensive

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In a surprising turn of events, Syrian rebels have made significant advances in their offensive against the government of Bashar Assad, entering parts of Aleppo, the country's second-largest city. The insurgents, led by the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have captured more than 50 towns and villages, and heavy fighting is ongoing. The offensive has resulted in the displacement of thousands of civilians, with the UN reporting at least 27 civilian deaths and more than 14,000 people displaced in the past three days. The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, has never truly stopped, and this recent development marks one of the deadliest periods in years, with 255 people, mostly combatants, killed according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

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American-backed Syrian forces guard the jail, which holds thousands of extremists.
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ALEPPO UNDER REBEL ATTACK: Jihadists and Allies Reach Second Largest Syrian City Amid Russian Airstrikes

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Aleppo is under attack:** Jihadists and their Turkish-backed allies have reached Syria's second city, marking a significant escalation in the country's civil war. Russian warplanes have bombed parts of Aleppo for the first time since 2016, causing 255 deaths. Most of the dead are combatants, but 24 civilians have also been killed, mostly in Russian air strikes. This offensive comes after a relative lull in Syria's civil war, and has forced around 14,000 people to flee their homes.

Why is this important?** This is a significant escalation in the Syrian civil war, and the first time since 2016 that Russian warplanes have bombed parts of Aleppo. The offensive has already caused dozens of deaths and forced thousands of people to flee their homes.

Insurgents Breach Aleppo, Syria's Second-Largest City, After Grueling Military Campaign

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What Happened:** Insurgents have breached Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city, after a shock offensive and blowing up two car bombs on Friday. They are now clashing with government forces on the city's western edge. This is the first time opposition forces have attacked the city since 2016. Why It Matters: The insurgents' advance on Aleppo follows a period of uncertainty in the region due to conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and the unresolved Syrian civil war. The offensive also comes as Iran-linked groups, who had backed Syrian government forces since 2015, are preoccupied with their own battle at home. What's Next: It remains to be seen if government forces or their allies will push back against the insurgents. The Syrian government has not yet commented on the situation.

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