Revolutionary forces under the Command of Military Operations (CMO) have launched a large-scale defensive assault aimed at halting attacks and mass displacements caused by the Assad regime and its allies. The operation, “Repelling The Aggression” declared essential by CMO leaders, has already yielded significant battlefield gains in the western countryside of Aleppo, reclaiming key villages and neutralizing regime assets.
Hassan Abdulghani, a senior commander in the CMO, described the campaign as a necessary response to the regime’s relentless attacks. “Permission to fight is given to those being fought because they have been wronged. And indeed, Allah is competent to give them victory,” Abdulghani said, quoting the Quran as he announced the operation.
The operation follows months of escalating violence by the Assad regime, Iranian militias, and Hezbollah forces, who have targeted civilian areas with artillery, missiles, and first-person-view (FPV) suicide drones. These attacks have killed and injured scores of civilians, destroyed infrastructure, and displaced over 70,000 people, compounding the already dire humanitarian crisis in liberated northern Syria.
“The regime’s militias and their Iranian mercenary allies have declared an open war on the Syrian people,” Abdulghani said. “This operation is not an option; it is our duty to defend the blood, honor, and land of our people.”
The operation also seeks to counter what CMO leaders describe as clear preparations by regime forces to launch a larger offensive aimed at displacing millions from liberated areas as winter begins.
The Assad regime’s initial response to the operation included heavy missile strikes on liberated areas, including Darat Izza, Ariha, Idlib City, and villages across the front lines, causing further displacement and civilian panic. Warplanes have also been reported over several areas, raising fears of airstrikes.
The Syrian Salvation Government (SSG), which governs the liberated areas in northwestern Syria, has placed all agencies on alert in anticipation of further escalation. Prime Minister Muhammad al-Bashir confirmed that the government is coordinating emergency responses to protect civilians. “With the escalation of the criminal regime’s bombing of our people, we have directed all government agencies to be on alert,” said al-Bashir.
In his statement, Commander Abdulghani issued a stern warning to the Assad regime and its allies: “Every front will be a fire against you that will burn your plans and illusions. We will not allow you to achieve your goals. This is the battle of truth, and we will reclaim our land, protect our people, and repel the aggressors.”
He called on revolutionary fighters to stand firm saying, “This is your time, and this is your battle. Advance with steadfastness and determination, and know that God is with us and will not let us down.”
The CMO’s campaign underscores the gravity of the situation in northern Syria, where civilians face mounting violence and displacement as winter sets in. Liberating strategic villages like Qabtan Al-Jabal, Sheikh Aqil, and Al-Saloum is expected to reduce immediate threats to nearby civilian areas and disrupt regime operations.
For now, the CMO remains resolute, framing the operation as both a defensive measure and a moral imperative to safeguard civilians and resist what Abdulghani called a campaign of extermination by the Assad regime and its allies. The battle continues to unfold, with revolutionary forces vowing to press forward to protect their people and reclaim lost territory.