At least 11 civilians, including five children, were killed and dozens injured in airstrikes by Syrian and Russian forces in rebel-held areas of Idlib province in northwestern Syria, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The NGO reported that simultaneous airstrikes targeted the city of Idlib, a displaced persons camp further north, and other areas in the province following an offensive launched last Wednesday by jihadist and allied rebel groups.
A Syrian opposition leader stated that the rebels would continue fighting until the Syrian government committed to the UN process and a political transition. Hadi al-Bahra, speaking from Istanbul in a televised interview, expressed the rebels’ readiness to negotiate immediately.
Meanwhile, Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) began withdrawing from northeastern parts of Aleppo under an agreement with the rebels. Sources indicated that this arrangement allowed civilians to leave Kurdish-controlled areas in northeastern Syria.
The Turkish intelligence service (MIT) announced the killing of a senior official of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), Yasar Cicek, in the Tal Rifaat region of Syria. The Anadolu news agency reported that Cicek, listed in Turkey’s “red category” of wanted terrorists, had been a key figure in PKK/YPG operations and was implicated in orchestrating deadly attacks against Turkish security forces.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that pro-Turkish rebel groups in Syria had captured Tal Rifaat from Kurdish forces, a significant location near Turkish-controlled territory in northern Syria.
The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group dominated by the former Syrian branch of al-Qaeda, and allied Syrian rebel groups, some supported by Turkey, reportedly took control of Aleppo last week and continued advancing south. Turkey announced its support for efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region.
Iran: Military Advisors to Remain in Syria
Iranian officials stated that they would maintain their military advisors in Syria to support the Assad government against the ongoing offensive by jihadists and allied rebel groups. The Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, explained that the presence of Iranian advisors in Syria was not new and would continue with the consent of the Syrian government. He did not specify whether Iran would increase its forces in the country.
Russia: Kremlin Reaffirms Support for Assad
The Kremlin announced its continued support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that Russia aimed to help stabilize the situation following the rebel offensive in Aleppo. Peskov clarified that Russia’s position would be determined by what was necessary to achieve stability in the region.
China: Beijing Expresses Support for Syrian Government
China reiterated its support for the Syrian government in its efforts to maintain national security and stability. Foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian described China as a “friend of Syria” and expressed Beijing’s readiness to contribute positively to preventing a worsening of the situation. This statement came after the Assad government lost control of Aleppo to rebel forces.
Also read: Syrian army and jihadists clash: Over 130 dead near Aleppo
Photo source: Reuters
Source: ANA-MPA
