Aleppo Lost to Syrian Government, Large Part of the City Under the Control of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham

Damascus : The Syrian government, led by President Bashar al-Assad, has failed to retain control of the ancient city of Aleppo. Despite the efforts of Syrian government forces and Russian artillery, they were unable to push back the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham fighters, who are supported by Al-Qaeda. The fighters have taken control of a significant portion of the city. A close source to the Syrian government forces confirmed to the Arabic news website '963+' that Russia has withdrawn all its forces deployed in the eastern Deir ez-Zor governorate and called them back to their base in Hattla. Now, no Russian personnel remain in areas like Al-Salihiya, Khsham, Marat, Tabiya, and seven villages. However, Majloom and Al-Hussainiyah are still under government control. Meanwhile, Russia has started construction of a bridge on both sides of the Euphrates River.

Clashes erupted on Sunday between Hayat Tahrir al-Sham fighters and Turkey-backed opposition groups in several areas of northern Aleppo. After intense fighting in the industrial zone and near the military college, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham fighters took control of the Ramousa artillery college, military academy, and Sheikh Najjar area in Aleppo city. The government military presence in the city has now been wiped out. Russian warplanes attacked the fighters in the morning. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke with his Saudi, Iraqi, and American counterparts on Sunday evening.

According to another report, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham fighters have killed dozens of Syrian soldiers. They have seized Syrian military positions and the international airport, and gained control over four towns in the Hama province. They are now advancing towards the provincial capital. Meanwhile, the Syrian government forces, with Russian assistance, are trying to stop the fighters. It has been reported that 20 fighters were killed in the latest clashes.