At least 25 people were killed in airstrikes by Syrian and Russian forces in northwestern Syria, the opposition-run White Helmets reported Monday. The strikes targeted rebel-held Idlib and areas near Aleppo, escalating tensions in a conflict that has seen renewed violence.
In Idlib, a crowded residential area was hit, killing seven and injuring dozens, rescuers said. The White Helmets reported ten children among the dead, with the total death toll since November 27 reaching 56, including 20 children. Syrian and Russian forces claimed to target insurgent hideouts, denying attacks on civilians.
The rebels, a coalition of Turkey-backed groups and the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, recently seized control of Idlib province and parts of Aleppo in one of the boldest assaults in years. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad vowed to “crush” the insurgents, while the army reported heavy casualties and began regrouping.
Inside Aleppo, residents fled as rebels took up positions, leaving streets deserted. Some criticized the Syrian army’s rapid retreat. Rebel forces pushed further south, capturing Khansir and Sheikh Najjar industrial zone, threatening army supply routes.
Russia reportedly dismissed Sergei Kisel, the general overseeing its Syrian forces, following the rebel advances. Meanwhile, Western nations called for de-escalation and protection of civilians.
The decade-long Syrian conflict, marked by the deaths of hundreds of thousands and the displacement of millions, had largely stalled since 2020. However, rebel advances and intensified Israeli strikes on Iranian forces in Syria have reignited hostilities. Despite setbacks, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi expressed confidence in the Assad government’s resilience.
Also read: Israeli Strikes Kill 40 Palestinians as Gaza Ceasefire Talks Progress
