Syrian Army Accuses Armed Groups of Media Manipulation as Aleppo Tensions Rise

Syrian Army Denies Opposition Advances in Aleppo Amid Escalating Conflict

The Syrian Army General Command issued a statement Saturday rejecting claims of significant territorial losses in Aleppo, describing them as “false information” spread by “armed terrorist organizations” as part of a coordinated media campaign designed to “undermine public morale.”

Military officials emphasized that operations to counter recent attacks are “proceeding successfully” and announced plans for a counteroffensive to reclaim territories lost during the past week’s fighting. The statement specifically accused opposition groups of exploiting “recent field events” in Aleppo and using international and Arab media outlets to broadcast unverified information about the situation.

However, reports from multiple sources indicate that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly known as Jabhat al-Nusra, has made substantial advances since launching a major offensive on November 27. By Friday, opposition forces had reportedly penetrated deep into Aleppo city, capturing several strategic locations including Saadallah Al-Jabiri Square, the governorate building, and the historic Aleppo Castle.

The rapid advance marks one of the most significant shifts in territorial control since government forces, backed by Russian airpower and Iranian-aligned militias, recaptured eastern Aleppo in 2016 after years of bitter fighting. That victory was widely considered a turning point in the Syrian civil war, cementing President Bashar al-Assad’s hold on major urban centers.

Aleppo, Syria’s largest city before the war and once its commercial hub, has been divided between government and opposition control at various points throughout the conflict. The city’s strategic and symbolic importance makes the current offensive particularly significant for both sides.

Simultaneously, HTS and allied factions have reportedly consolidated control across Idlib province, which has long served as the opposition’s primary stronghold. Key towns in Idlib, including Ma’arrat al-Nu’man and Khan Sheikhoun, are now firmly under opposition control according to multiple sources, though the Syrian government disputes the extent of these gains.

The current escalation represents one of the most serious challenges to government control in northern Syria in several years. The Syrian conflict, now in its thirteenth year, has killed hundreds of thousands, displaced millions, and drawn in numerous regional and international powers.

Turkey, which maintains military observation posts in northern Syria and backs certain opposition groups, has yet to comment officially on the recent developments. Russia, the Assad government’s primary international backer, has reportedly increased airstrikes in response to the opposition offensive.

The humanitarian situation in affected areas remains precarious, with civilians caught between advancing opposition forces and government counterattacks. The United Nations has repeatedly warned about the vulnerability of civilian populations in northwestern Syria, where approximately four million people already live in difficult conditions, many in displacement camps.

International diplomatic efforts to resolve the Syrian conflict have largely stalled in recent years, with peace talks yielding little progress toward a comprehensive political solution. The Assad government has gradually reasserted control over much of Syria’s territory since 2015, when Russian military intervention helped reverse opposition gains.

The current fighting underscores the conflict’s unresolved nature despite periods of relative calm in recent years. Analysts suggest the opposition offensive may be aimed at strengthening its negotiating position in any future political settlement, demonstrating its continued military relevance despite years of setbacks.