In the liberated territories of northwestern Syria, particularly in Idlib, a powerful sense of solidarity has emerged as residents rally behind the efforts of fighters of the Command of Military Operations (CMO). The CMO, a coalition of revolutionary groups, has been leading military efforts to reclaim territories occupied by the Assad regime and its allies, a cause championed by most in the liberated north.
Field surveys conducted by the Syrian Center for Strategic Studies (SCSS), a few months ago, show that 89.4% of respondents expressed support for these ongoing battles, a strong affirmation of the CMO’s efforts to secure Syria free from Assad’s control.
The support for opening the fronts, mostly frozen since a 2020 deal brokered by Turkey and Russia, is driven not just by political alignment, but by a deep sense of shared struggle. For many in Idlib, more than half of whom are displaced, the fight for liberation is personal. Thousands of residents in the liberated territories are internally displaced persons (IDPs), forced from their homes by previous offensives.
For the multitudes expelled from their homes and attacked daily, the Repelling the Aggression campaign’s efforts are the best chance to reclaim their homes and ensure that their children can grow up in a Syria free from regime control. Many supporters are family members of fighters or displaced people themselves, and their desire to return to their villages and cities fuels their determination.
SCSS data reveals that even among the displaced, especially those in nearby areas or camps, the majority are prepared to bear the hardships associated with supporting the battles, such as potential bombings or further displacement, believing these sacrifices necessary for eventual victory.
While the support for the campaign is clear, the situation on the ground remains dire. The Assad regime, backed by Russian jets, has escalated its bombing campaign, targeting civilian infrastructure throughout northwestern Syria.
This has made life increasingly difficult for the residents of Idlib, with hospitals, schools, and markets frequently coming under fire. Nevertheless, 74.6% of respondents in the SCSS study expressed high or very high trust in revolutionary military factions, seeing them as the only reliable forces capable of countering Assad and defending liberated territories.
Yet, even with these difficulties, the people remain resolute, condemning the regime’s indiscriminate attacks on civilians while reaffirming their commitment to the revolution. A small number of respondents – 7.5% – admit to fearing the ongoing likelihood of heavy bombardment and displacement, but they stand in the minority.
The primary concern, voiced by 52.5%, is not the battle itself but the power imbalance posed by the Assad regime’s vast resources, bolstered by Russia and Iran. Yet the overwhelming solidarity of revolution factions and the support of the civilian population demonstrates the strength of conviction among Idlib’s residents: even in the face of severe challenges, the desire for freedom and the recovery of lost lands remains unbroken.
For the people of northwestern Syria, these battles represent not just a military force, but the hope of reclaiming their lives. The current campaign is grounded in the belief that the liberation of occupied territories is key to a future where displaced Syrians can return home with safety and dignity.
As CMO continues pressing forward on the front lines, they do so knowing that they are backed by the unwavering support of the people they are fighting for. In one trench, civilians and fighters stand united, driven by a common goal: to return to their homes in dignity and see Syria free once again.
