Will the clashes in Aleppo trigger a new wave of migration to Turkey? Syrian opposition general explains

Clashes between opposition groups and the Assad regime in the western countryside of the city of Aleppo in Syria have been ongoing since November 27.

In a statement made by the United Nations (UN), it was stated that 27 civilians have lost their lives due to the ongoing clashes in Aleppo.

As the opposition fighting the Assad regime began to enter the city center of Aleppo, it was announced that more than 14 thousand people have been displaced due to the clashes that have been taking place for two days.

Ahmed Rahal, who served as a Brigadier General in Syria, made statements regarding the events.

Stating that other regions could also fall into the hands of opposition groups in the coming days with the operations, Rahal said, "Syrian General Ahmed Rahal, the operation that has been continuing for two days in the west of Aleppo and in the liberated regions, the goal of this operation with Turkey's support is for people and refugees to return to their homes. Khan Shaykhun and Maarrat al-Nu'man, 2.5 million refugees in Turkey can return to these regions there. These operations have made successful progress on a very large line. Today and the goal is Aleppo and Saraqib, perhaps other regions can also be liberated in the coming days."

"THE FALL OF THE ASSAD REGIME WILL ALSO ACCELERATE THE FALL OF THE YPG"

Stating that they were surprised by the rapid fall of the regime in Aleppo, Rahal said, "We were truly shocked at how the Syrian regime fell so quickly. But we know that the regime stays standing with Iranian support and all of Aleppo is under Hezbollah's control; we hope that these operations expand and advance to the Al-Zahraa region. At the same time, we want the operation to continue to Tel Rifaat. Because there is a YPG presence there, to liberate that corridor. We believe that the rapid fall of Assad and Hezbollah in Syria will certainly also be effective in the rapid fall of the YPG, especially in Manbij, Tel Rifaat, and nearby regions. Because of these events, the Syrian opposition can breathe a sigh of relief. At the same time, refugees can easily return to their homes."

Regarding the question of how Turkey would be affected by a possible migration event in Aleppo, Rahal replied, "Now the situation is going differently; in the past, people were fleeing from Syria to Turkey due to Assad's attacks. But now it will be the opposite; they will return from Turkey to Syria."

News Source: İHA