Syrian regime loses control of Aleppo and Idlib, says prominent Syrian activist

“Aleppo is now under the control of Tahrir al-Sham, while Kurdish forces have taken control of some surrounding areas,” Abdulrahman said.

Rami Abdulrahman, founder of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, speaking to Kurdistan24, Nov. 30, 2024. (Photo: Kurdistan24)
Rami Abdulrahman, founder of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, speaking to Kurdistan24, Nov. 30, 2024. (Photo: Kurdistan24)

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Rami Abdulrahman, founder of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, stated in an interview with Kurdistan24 on Saturday that the Syrian regime has lost control over the provinces of Idlib and Aleppo. According to Abdulrahman, these developments reflect a broader geopolitical reshaping of the region.

“Aleppo is now under the control of Tahrir al-Sham, while Kurdish forces have taken control of some surrounding areas,” Abdulrahman said. He noted that key roads connecting Aleppo to nearby regions remain under Kurdish control. “The Syrian regime has completely collapsed in Aleppo and Idlib and holds no power there,” he added.

Abdulrahman revealed that the evacuation of Aleppo had been pre-planned and criticized Russia’s role in the ongoing Syrian conflict. “Russia’s position is shameful. It has withdrawn from certain areas in northern Syria, seemingly with the intent to remap the region while keeping Bashar al-Assad in power. Iran, too, is gradually handing over territories,” he stated.

He also emphasized the failure of Shiite militias in Aleppo, pointing to their uncertain future. Meanwhile, Abdulrahman accused Turkey and the United States of supporting attacks on Aleppo. “Turkey may deny its involvement, but the reality is different. Both countries fully back these operations,” he claimed.

Abdulrahman asserted that the attacks on Aleppo are part of a strategy to fragment Syria and weaken the regime of Bashar al-Assad. “The ultimate goal is to divide Syria into confederate areas rather than along ethnic or religious lines. Bashar al-Assad must step down and face trial,” he declared.

On the humanitarian front, Abdulrahman described the situation in Aleppo as dire. “While residents initially feared violence, they are now enduring severe humanitarian conditions,” he said.

He also alleged that plans to partition Syria have been in motion for months, with major global powers seeking Iran’s withdrawal from the country. “Both Russia and the United States want Iran out of Syria. With Donald Trump’s presidency, US policy in Syria is likely to change significantly,” he concluded.

The interview underscores the complex and shifting dynamics in Syria, highlighting the interplay of local and international forces shaping the country’s future.