Understand the newest developments in the Syrian Civil War as the rebel forces take ground in the north-west, and the shifting landscape of this conflict is changed. Here are some key players and territorial changes in 2024.
The Shifting Landscape of the Syrian Civil War in 2024: Key Developments and Forces at Play
Syria’s civil war, which has been ongoing since 2011, has reached a turning point in 2024 with massive territorial changes. The rebel forces have launched an offensive in Syria’s northwest, retaking vast areas, including the strategic city of Aleppo, which had been one of the main battlefronts of the war. This unexpected surge has broken the stalemate that had prevailed over the past few years as government forces were on the retreat. As of December 2024, the war map has changed once again, which shows how fluid and complex the conflict is. In this article, we will look at the current state of the war, key players involved, and the impact of recent developments.
Rebel Forces Resurgence
Since the beginning of the Syrian Civil War, the opposition forces, ranging from a combination of moderate groups and extremist groups, initially extended their control over most areas in the country. However, in 2020, they were largely confined to the Idlib province located in the northwest. All of this changed in late 2024 when these insurgents mounted a swift offensive, claiming vast tracts of ground, including the strategic city of Aleppo, its airport, and several military bases. A significant event, as it was the first time the city of Aleppo had been in insurgents’ hands since a long battle in 2016. Furthermore, insurgents won Hama, which was something that had never happened before.
Syrian Government and Allied Forces
The Syrian government, led by President Bashar al-Assad, has largely been on the back foot for the past few years, though it initially had all the momentum. Backed by Russian airstrikes and Iran-backed militias, Assad’s forces regained many strategic territories, including Aleppo and the majority of towns along the Euphrates River, after 2016. These successes, in addition to the collapse of the Islamic State (ISIS), facilitated the Assad regime’s reclaiming much of the country. However, the latest rebel victories, particularly in the northwest, are a setback to the regime’s stability.
By 2020, pro-Assad forces had been able to sandwich opposition fighters in Idlib province, and the stalemate had been going on for years. But with the recent developments, government troops are again under pressure. The shifting balance of power shows that the conflict is far from over.
The Role of Kurdish-Led Forces
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, also known as SDF, has been the central ally for the United States in its fight against ISIS, and currently controls large parts of the northeast of Syria. Nonetheless, the Kurdish forces have been opposed by Turkey due to their association with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Turkey deems a separatist group. In 2019, U.S. In consequence of President Donald Trump’s announcement of the withdrawal of American forces from northern Syria, Turkey attacked the region, forcing Kurdish fighters to retreat and changing control of the territory.
Since then, Kurdish-led forces are looking to the Syrian government to protect them, which allows Assads’ forces to back into some parts of northern Syria. In this uneasy cooperation with the Syrian government, an already complex situation in northeastern Syria became even more messy, as different factions vie for primacy in the region.
The Fall of ISIS
At its height in 2015-2016, the Islamic State controlled vast parts of Syria and Iraq, including the city of Raqqa, which it declared as its capital. The Western coalition’s efforts, alongside Syrian and Iraqi military operations, eventually led to the group’s territorial collapse by 2018. While ISIS no longer controls significant territory, it continues to pose a threat, conducting occasional attacks in the region. The Islamic State’s influence, though diminished, still contributes to the instability in Syria.
Turkish Military Operations
Turkey has been an active participant in the Syrian conflict, carrying out a series of military operations against Kurdish forces along its southern border. The operations have aimed to create a buffer zone between Turkey and Kurdish separatist movements. Consequently, several towns in northern Syria have fallen under Turkish control. Turkey continues to operate in the region, providing public services and using its currency in areas it controls.
Conclusion
The Syrian Civil War, now in its 14th year, is far from resolution. Recent developments in 2024, particularly the rebel resurgence in the northwest, have changed the conflict’s dynamics. While the Syrian government, bolstered by Russian and Iranian support, remains a dominant force, the growing power of rebel factions and the shifting allegiances of the Kurdish forces have introduced new complexities. With many players in the mix and no clear resolution in view, the future of Syria is uncertain.
FAQs
Q1: What led to the recent shift in Syria’s territorial map in 2024?
The shift came about as a result of a rapid offensive by Syrian rebel forces, which captured key areas in the northwest, such as Aleppo and Hama, which had been under government control for years.
Q2: Who are the main factions involved in the Syrian Civil War?
The main factions are the government forces led by Bashar al-Assad of Syria, various rebel forces which include moderate and extremist factions, Kurdish-led forces, and the Islamic State known as ISIS.
Q3: What is the role of Turkey in Syria’s conflict?
Turkey launched successive military operations to eradicate the Kurdish forces from Syria’s north because it claimed those forces were collaborating with the Kurdish separatists. So far, Turkey has managed the strips along the northern borders.
Q4: Does ISIS remain active in Syria?
Although ISIS no longer holds any significant territory, it remains an insurgent force and occasionally launches attacks in various parts of Syria.
Q5: What is the situation with Kurdish-led forces in Syria?
Kurdish-led forces hold most of northeastern Syria but have been attacked by Turkey and have received some support from the Syrian government to defend against the Turkish attacks.