Syrian, Russian Jets Intensify Strikes Against Insurgent-Held Positions
The Facts
Fighter jets from Syria and Russia intensified their attacks on insurgent-held areas of Syria's northwest after the city of Aleppo fell to anti-government militants in a surprise offensive over the weekend.
The fall of Aleppo, including its airport, came after a coalition of insurgents led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) — a former affiliate of Al-Qaeda and widely considered a terror organization — launched its multi-pronged assault from its stronghold in the Idlib province on Wednesday, since spreading to the neighboring provinces of Aleppo and Hama.
The Spin
While the West is concerned about the possible resurgence of jihadist terror groups in Syria, it will not complain too much about Assad's government, alongside its partners in Russia and Hezbollah, being put under pressure in the country.
The terror groups waging this campaign have a long history of conspiring with Western governments in an effort to overthrow Assad. However, Assad will undoubtedly repel these attacks as he had done previously.