Turkish-Backed Rebels Take Control of Aleppo; Armenian Community Faces Renewed Struggles

Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city, is once again a battleground. After years of relative stability under government control, a coalition of Syrian rebel factions, led by the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), launched a major offensive on November 27, seizing control of most of the city. The attack, described as the largest against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in years, represents a severe blow to government forces backed by Iran and Russia.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reports that over 300 people, including at least 20 civilians, have been killed since the offensive began. Rebel forces now dominate Aleppo, leaving only Kurdish-controlled areas outside their grasp. This marks a dramatic turn in the Syrian conflict, with rebels reaching Aleppo for the first time since their expulsion in 2016.

Government forces, supported by Russian airstrikes, are mounting counterattacks. However, the loss of Aleppo carries not just strategic implications but also symbolic ones for Assad, as the city had been a cornerstone of his post-war consolidation of power.

HTS, the driving force behind the offensive, is a jihadist group operating in northwestern Syria. Although it has rebranded itself as a localized force, HTS remains a polarizing presence. The group operates independently and is not openly supported by any state. However, Turkey plays a nuanced role, indirectly influencing the dynamics in HTS-controlled territories by backing other factions to counter Kurdish forces near its border. Private networks, especially from Gulf states, have also historically funneled financial support to such groups, complicating international responses.

For Aleppo’s once-thriving Armenian population, this renewed violence is another chapter in a long history of survival. The Armenian community, a historic fixture in Aleppo, saw its numbers swell during the 20th century as genocide survivors fled to the city. Before the Syrian Civil War, roughly 60,000 Armenians lived in Aleppo, contributing significantly to its cultural and economic life.

However, the war decimated the community. Today, only a few thousand Armenians remain, facing precarious conditions amid ongoing violence. Many have left for Armenia, Lebanon, and the West, while those who stay work to preserve their heritage with support from the Armenian diaspora.

The Armenian Embassy in Damascus operates in emergency mode, and the Consulate General in Aleppo has temporarily relocated to Damascus. Armenian officials are closely monitoring the situation and have pledged to adjust their diplomatic strategy as needed.

Story developing…