The civil war in Syria, which has resulted in over 300,000 deaths and millions of refugees since 2011, is once again escalating. Pro-democracy demonstrations against President Bashar al-Assad led to an armed opposition forming, supported by various foreign powers. Iran and Russia backed Assad, while extremist groups like ISIS became prominent within the opposition. The US-led coalition focused on defeating ISIS without directly confronting Assad.
In 2020, Russia and Turkey agreed to a ceasefire in Idlib, the last major opposition-held province. However, recent fighting has reignited as rebels formed a new coalition and advanced on Aleppo, claiming to liberate territory and responding to increased attacks from government forces.
The conflict in Syria has had far-reaching implications across the Middle East and beyond. It has involved various foreign powers, extremist groups, and humanitarian crises. While some progress has been made, such as the defeat of ISIS by the Syrian Democratic Forces, the situation remains volatile. The recent resurgence of fighting in Aleppo highlights the ongoing challenges in the region.
As the conflict unfolds, it is important for the international community to monitor the situation closely and work towards a peaceful resolution that addresses the root causes of the conflict. The humanitarian toll of the war in Syria continues to be devastating, and efforts must be made to support those affected by the violence and seek a lasting solution to the crisis.
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