Syrian revolutionary forces of the Command of Military Operations (CMO) coalition have made substantial progress in their Repelling the Aggression campaign, liberating key areas in northern Syria, including the strategic city of Saraqib and most of the neighborhoods in Aleppo. These advances mark a decisive shift in the ongoing conflict, with revolutionary forces poised to gain full control over, Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city.
The strategic city of Saraqib in eastern Idlib, which serves as a critical junction between the Damascus-Aleppo (M5) and Aleppo-Latakia (M4) highways was liberated by the coalition. The victory disrupts one of the Assad regime’s main transportation and supply routes.
“The enemy is withdrawing from the city of Saraqib under the blows of our forces after violent clashes inside the city,” a spokesperson from the Military Operations Department announced yesterday before its liberation. Saraqib, seized by Russian-backed Assad forces in early 2020, had been a linchpin for the regime’s operations in northern Syria. Revolutionary forces’ control over Saraqib restores access to vital transportation networks, giving them a significant logistical advantage.
Meanwhile, in Aleppo and Idlib, revolutionary forces have liberated more than 40 towns and villages, including Jirjnaz, Telminis, Abu Dhuhur, Anadan, Kafr Hamra, Hreitan, and Hayan. On Friday evening, they achieved a pivotal breakthrough by entering major neighborhoods in Aleppo city. These include Al-Firdaws, Al-Salihin, Al-Kallaseh, Bustan Al-Qasr, Al-Sukkari, Salah Al-Din, Saif Al-Dawla, and Al-Shaar, as well as parts of Old Aleppo like Qadi Askar.
Command of Military Operations spokesman stated: “After entering Aleppo city, our forces have continued to liberate key villages in northern Aleppo countryside as part of the ongoing military operations within Operation Repelling the Aggression.”
The Assad regime’s forces are now confined to a few neighborhoods, such as Al-Sulaymaniyah, Al-Aziziyah, and Al-Midan, as revolutionary fighters push toward full control of the city. PKK and Assad regime-aligned YPG units have retreated into Aleppo’s International Airport and the Shiekh Najjar neighborhood.
The capture of Saraqib and sections of the M5 highway represents a significant blow to the regime and its Russian allies. The M5 has been a primary transportation corridor for goods and military movement, linking Syria’s northern and southern regions. Control over parts of this route disrupts the regime’s supply chains and weakens its hold on the region.
The M4 highway, which connects Aleppo to Latakia, remains contested. Revolutionary forces control parts of it in Idlib, extending their influence from Jisr al-Shughour in the west to Saraqib in the east. These advances come after revolutionary forces declared full control over the western Aleppo countryside earlier this week. With Aleppo city nearing full liberation, the revolutionary campaign is reshaping territorial dynamics in northern Syria.
Officials associated with CMO and the Syrian Salvation Government (SSG) have reassured residents, pledging to protect their lives and property amid regime media efforts to instill fear, and issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to protecting residents and restoring stability. “We pledge to safeguard lives and properties and to preserve the rights of all citizens in liberated areas,” the statement read.
As revolutionary forces consolidate their gains in Aleppo and surrounding areas, the Repelling the Aggression campaign demonstrates renewed strength and coordination. The coming days are likely critical as forces aim to secure their advances, dismantle regime infrastructure, and stabilize liberated regions.
For civilians in Aleppo and Idlib, these developments signal hope for relief from years of conflict and oppression. Revolutionary forces remain focused on achieving their military objectives while addressing the immediate humanitarian needs of the population.
