Russia launches airstrikes on Aleppo for the first time since 2016

On Wednesday, November 27, rebels launched an offensive towards Aleppo. By the end of Friday, their forces had entered various districts of the city.

According to Reuters, the Syrian army was ordered to carry out a safe withdrawal from the main areas of Aleppo, which were entered by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels. Syrian authorities closed Aleppo's airport and all roads leading to the city.

It is reported that the rebels have already captured half of Aleppo. They took control of important government buildings, police headquarters, and state security offices. Relevant footage is being shared online.

Russian and Syrian aircraft carried out airstrikes on Aleppo during the night of November 30. AFP notes that this is the first time since 2016 that Russian aviation has struck Aleppo. The airstrikes also targeted cities and villages recently captured by the rebels.

It is reported that as a result of the bombings and ground attacks, 20 members of the Al-Qaeda-linked Syrian group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham were killed.

Military sources told Reuters that Russia promised additional military aid to Syria, with weapons expected to arrive within 72 hours.

What’s happening in Syria

This week, a new phase of the civil war began in Syria after four years of relative calm. Thousands of rebels, led by Islamists from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, launched an offensive on Aleppo, the country's second-largest city.

Forces loyal to Bashar al-Assad’s regime, along with Russian troops, are carrying out airstrikes on towns and villages controlled by the opposition.

According to unconfirmed reports, Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad urgently arrived in Moscow.

For more on the situation in Syria and how Russia is assisting Assad, read the full story from RBC-Ukraine.