Syrian Rebels Advance on Aleppo, Targeting Pro-Assad Forces and Iranian Influence

In a surprise operation launched earlier this week, Syrian rebel groups have rapidly advanced towards Aleppo city, marking one of the most significant offensives in years against pro-Assad forces in northwest Syria. The attack, led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an al-Qaeda offshoot, has resulted in heavy casualties and captured significant territory.

Rebels, bolstered by some Turkey-backed factions, have reportedly captured more than 50 regime-controlled villages and towns across Aleppo's outskirts and eastern Idlib....