Syrian Civil War
Syrian Civil War that began in 2011 after protests against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
The conflict escalated into a full-scale war, with the government fighting various rebel, Islamist, and jihadist groups.
Multiple factions, including the regime, opposition groups, and ISIS, fought for control of different areas.
The war caused massive casualties, displacement, and destruction across the country.
By 2016, Assad’s forces regained much of the territory, but peace was not achieved, and the country remained divided.
Russia’s Role in the Syrian Civil War (2016)
Russia intervened in 2015, sending military support to the Assad regime.
Russian airstrikes and ground support helped Assad regain control over key areas
Russia's involvement was crucial in preventing Assad's collapse and shifting the war in his favor.
How Assad Recaptured Aleppo (2016)
Assad’s forces, with help from Russia and Iran, launched a prolonged siege of Aleppo.
Russian airstrikes and support from Iranian forces and Hezbollah led to the fall of Aleppo by December 2016.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Its Connection to al-Qaeda
HTS, led by Abu Mohammad al-Julani, originally started as Jabhat al-Nusra, an al-Qaeda affiliate in Syria.
After splitting with al-Qaeda, it rebranded as Jabhat Fateh al-Sham and later as HTS, but still follows Islamist principles.
HTS is considered a terrorist group by the U.S. and other nations.
How Militants Gained Territory
HTS and other militants launched a surprise attack, exploiting the Syrian regime’s weakened position.
Reduced support from Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah left the regime vulnerable.
Militants quickly captured Aleppo, Hama, and parts of northeastern Aleppo in a matter of days.
Syria
Syria, is a country in West Asia located in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Levant.
It is bounded by the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east and southeast, Jordan to the south, and Israel and Lebanon to the southwest.
Cyprus lies to the west across the Mediterranean Sea.
The capital and largest city is Damascus,
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