Russia has promised to send additional military aid to Syria within the next 72 hours, as the Assad regime struggles to respond to a swift offensive launched by insurgent forces.
The pledge comes amid a rapidly changing battlefield, with rebels making significant gains in recent days, according to two military sources cited by Reuters.
The new offensive by Syrian rebels, which began earlier this week, has swept through government-held towns, advancing towards Aleppo. This marks the most significant push by insurgents toward the city since government forces—backed by Russia and Iran—recaptured Aleppo nearly a decade ago. The current gains represent a sharp reversal of fortunes for the Assad regime, highlighting the resilience of rebel factions who have regrouped amid a shifting regional landscape.
The escalating conflict prompted Syrian authorities to close Aleppo International Airport and all roads leading into the city on Saturday, according to the military sources. This closure reflects the gravity of the threat posed by advancing rebels, who now hold positions in areas close to the city.
“The Syrian army has been instructed to execute a ‘safe withdrawal’ from key sectors of Aleppo that have been penetrated by the rebel forces,” said one of the military sources. This strategic retreat appears to be aimed at minimizing casualties and consolidating remaining positions as the government waits for promised Russian reinforcements.
Russia, which deployed its air force to Syria in 2015 to bolster Assad during the civil war, has now pledged extra support to ensure the government forces can fend off the renewed rebel threat. Details of the aid package were not disclosed, but it is expected to involve additional air and ground support, given the critical situation around Aleppo.
The involvement of Russian military support has been pivotal for the Assad government since the start of its intervention. This latest promise of aid signals Moscow’s continued commitment to maintaining its influence in Syria and countering any destabilizing actions by opposition forces. Iran, another key backer of Assad, is also expected to continue providing logistical and military support.
The unexpected offensive by the insurgent forces underscores the volatility of Syria’s long-running conflict, where territorial control has often shifted hands despite the presence of major foreign powers. The rebels’ advance comes amid broader regional shifts, including fluctuating alliances and changing dynamics within neighboring countries, which may have emboldened the opposition forces.