Syrian opposition forces advance into central Aleppo.

The successful entry of Syrian opposition armed forces into central Aleppo marks the first time these forces have returned to the city since government forces regained control in 2016.

The lightning attack

AFP reported yesterday, citing information from the Syrian Human Rights Observatory (SOHR, based in the UK), that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allied armed groups have seized control of much of the city, as well as government-run centers and prisons. HTS, formed in 2017, comprises a Syrian branch of al-Qaeda, the al-Nusra Front, and four other groups. Previously, HTS fighters controlled large areas of Idlib in northwestern Syria, as well as some suburbs of the Aleppo, Hama, and Latakia provinces.

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Opposition fighters launched a surprise offensive on November 27, advancing eastward through several villages on the outskirts of Aleppo. By the evening of November 28 (local time), they had reached the city center, according to images verified by CNN. The Syrian army confirmed facing a major offensive and pledged to reinforce its forces at all positions on all fronts. However, CNN quoted several city residents as saying that government forces had withdrawn from some areas in western Aleppo.

Opposition armed groups were present in central Aleppo on November 30.

As of yesterday, Reuters, citing three military sources, reported that Syrian authorities had decided to blockade Aleppo International Airport as well as all roads leading to the city. The Syrian army stated that it had withdrawn from areas of the city that had fallen into enemy hands in preparation for a counter-offensive. AFP, citing information from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), reported that Aleppo's leaders, police commanders, and security forces had withdrawn from the city center.

SOHR director Rami Abdel Rahman said the HTS-led coalition quickly seized large areas of Aleppo without significant resistance. He added that the victory came easily for the rebels, "no fighting, not a single bullet fired (yesterday) because government forces withdrew."

Reuters, citing sources from the Syrian Civil Defense agency, reported that Russian fighter jets flew alongside Syrian military aircraft last night to bomb several suburban areas of the city. This also marks the first Russian offensive in Aleppo since 2016. Russia has not commented on the report.

Hezbollah strengthens the capabilities of the Lebanese army.

The lightning attack by the HTS-led coalition took place on the same day the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah officially came into effect in Lebanon. By yesterday (Vietnam time), Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem announced cooperation with the Lebanese army and would help the country build its defense capabilities while the ceasefire is in effect, according to AFP.

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Speaking for the first time since the ceasefire came into effect, Qassem declared that strengthening the Lebanese army's military capabilities was necessary to prevent enemy forces from exploiting Lebanon's current weaknesses. The Hezbollah leader also stated that the armed movement had achieved a great victory against Israel "for preventing the enemy from wiping out or weakening Hezbollah."

Meanwhile, the Israeli military announced yesterday a ban on Lebanese citizens traveling south to certain villages, and listed approximately 62 villages that people should not return to. On the same day, Israeli forces stated that a missile-equipped naval vessel intercepted a drone approaching Israeli territory from the east, meaning from Iraq.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/luc-luong-doi-lap-syria-tien-vao-trung-tam-aleppo-185241130214851367.htm