Russia and Syria Launch Airstrikes in Aleppo

The Syrian army, backed by Russian air strikes, has intensified attacks in northern Syria following the loss of Aleppo to Islamist rebels, specifically Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). This marks a critical turning point in the civil war, as it is the first time since 2011 that the Assad regime has lost control of the city, resulting in civilian casualties, including 11 killed in recent bombings. HTS has made significant territorial gains, entering Hama, which poses a further threat to the Assad regime. In response, Assad is seeking support from allies, including Iran, while Russia aims to assist in repelling the rebel advances. Meanwhile, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces have declared a general mobilization amidst ongoing conflicts with Turkish-backed forces in the region. The situation remains volatile, with international observers closely monitoring developments as casualties continue to rise.