The surprise offensive is a huge embarrassment for Bashar al-Assad, and it comes at a time when his allies — Iran and Russia — are preoccupied with their own conflicts.
The Syrian military rushed reinforcements to the northwest and launched airstrikes Sunday in an attempt to push back insurgents who seized the country’s largest city of Aleppo, as Iran pledged to help the government counter the surprise offensive.
On Sunday, government troops created a “strong defensive line” in northern Hama, according to Britain-based opposition war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, as they attempted to stall the insurgents’ momentum. Meanwhile, jets pounded the cities of Idlib and Aleppo, killing at least 15 people, according to a group that operates in opposition-held areas.
According to a statement from Assad’s office, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Tehran was ready to support Damascus in their counteroffensive against the insurgency.Arab leaders, including Jordan’s King Abdullah II and United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, have also called Assad to express their solidarity.
They also claimed to have entered the city of Hama, but there was no independent confirmation of that.In Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib province, military vehicles abandoned by Syrian troops dotted the roads. People posed and took pictures of themselves atop one abandoned tank on a highway, while the insurgents grabbed munitions and shells from them before continuing their push deeper into Syria.
“At the same time, of course, we don’t cry over the fact that the Assad government, backed by Russia, Iran and Hezbollah, are facing certain kinds of pressure,” he added.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Iranian Diplomat Heads to Damascus in Solid Support for AssadIran's top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, is set to visit Syria to show support for the Syrian regime amid a serious challenge by Islamist insurgents who captured parts of Aleppo. Araghchi will also travel to Ankara to discuss the situation.
Read more »
Assad Regime Faces New Crisis as Russian and Iranian Support WanesRussia's intervention in 2015 turned the tide of the Syrian conflict, but recent developments indicate the Assad regime is weaker and facing new challenges, with allies unable to provide the same level of support.
Read more »
Assad’s old allies can’t rescue him this timeThe challenges facing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his backers in Russia and Iran are unprecedented.
Read more »
Assad’s old allies can’t rescue him this timeThe challenges facing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his backers in Russia and Iran are unprecedented.
Read more »
Islamist Rebels Capture Central Aleppo, Striking a Blow to Assad's RuleThe recent offensive by Islamist rebels in Aleppo, Syria, has significantly altered the balance of power, with rebels now controlling central areas and dismantling symbols of President Assad's regime, marking a major setback for the government.
Read more »
Syrian rebels sweep into Aleppo, Russia conducts strikes in support of AssadThe Syrian army says dozens of its soldiers have been killed in a major attack led by Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels who swept into the city of Aleppo.
Read more »