Offensive begins in Aleppo: HTS seizes control of 32 regions

In Syria, the anti-Bashar al-Assad regime organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has launched a large-scale offensive against Aleppo.

It was reported that 75 HTS militants have died as a result of the ongoing offensive. Photos allegedly belonging to these militants have been shared on social media.

In the clashes that began in the early morning hours, armed groups affiliated with HTS seized 32 villages and points in the western countryside of Aleppo, including the Assad regime-controlled El Ragib Hill, Kuptan Mountain, Debbabat Hill, the town of Ancara, the 46th Regiment, as well as Kefer Besme, Basartun, Hur, Elkasimiyye, Acil, Bele, Sellum, Kefer Bissin, Sheikh Akil, Hırderkal, Acemi, Urum Sugra, Uveycil, El Hute, El Dab'a, Urum Elkübra, Bishantara, Bakdina, Cemiyet Elmaari, Cemiyet Ebu Amshe, Cemiyet Emin, Cemiyet Manahil, Cemiyet el Ridvan, Muhendisin, Arnaz, Kefernaha, and Kanasel.

HTS has advanced to within 5 kilometers of the Aleppo city center. As of today, HTS controls an area of 245 square kilometers.

Syrian forces targeted HTS militants with artillery fire.

It was noted that Russian air forces carried out attacks on HTS bases. Moments of Russian aircraft flying at low altitude were captured on camera.

While HTS seized heavy weapons and military vehicles belonging to the Assad regime in the areas it captured, it also took dozens of regime soldiers prisoner.

Footage was shared on the HTS Telegram channel showing 3 soldiers, allegedly belonging to the Russian army, being held hostage.

In another video, Syrian soldiers were seen retreating.

While clashes between the regime and HTS continue, approximately 10,000 civilians fleeing the fighting in the region are taking refuge in the Idlib countryside.

The clashes are continuing, intensifying toward the center of Aleppo.