On Saturday, the Syrian National Army (SNA) announced the launch of Operation Dawn of Freedom, targeting Assad regime forces and Iranian militias in the northern and eastern countryside of Aleppo. This military campaign, part of wider revolutionary efforts in northern Syria, aims to liberate occupied territories, protect civilians, and restore the rights of displaced Syrians to return to their homes.
The operation began with attacks near the town of Tadif, located east of Aleppo and adjacent to the city of Al-Bab. According to military sources, SNA forces achieved partial advances against regime positions, capturing at least two regime fighters and seizing weapons. Villages such as Toman, Al-Madajen, and Al-Shamawiya have already been liberated in the initial phase of the operation, marking significant progress in the campaign.
According to local sources, the SNA has liberated Kweris Military Airport, Regiment 111, the Air Academy, Kweris Training Airport, and the Officers’ Housing in eastern Aleppo, along with the Aleppo-Raqqa highway.
In an official statement, the SNA outlined the objectives of Operation Dawn of Freedom. The operation seeks to liberate areas occupied by Assad regime forces and Iranian militias, ensuring the safety and freedom of civilians in reclaimed territories. The statement emphasized the importance of restoring the rights of displaced Syrians, allowing them to return to their homes and live dignified lives free from oppression and crime. The operation also aims to counter repeated attacks by regime forces on liberated areas, which have threatened the safety of civilians.
The campaign comes amid heightened tensions between the SNA, the Assad regime, and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an entity aligned with the PKK. Recent reports indicate that the SDF has collaborated with Assad’s forces, moving into strategic areas in the Aleppo countryside, including Aleppo International Airport, Sheikh Najjar, Deir Hafer, Al-Safira, and Maskana. This cooperation, which has also extended to towns such as Nubl and Al-Zahraa, appears designed to prevent revolutionary forces from advancing further and to fill the vacuum left by regime withdrawals.
Field sources confirmed that the SDF’s moves are part of an undeclared agreement with the Assad regime to strengthen their hold over key locations and counter-revolutionary advances. These developments have sparked outrage among some who view the actions as a betrayal of the Syrian revolution and an effort to suppress the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people.
The countryside around Tadif and Al-Bab, where Operation Dawn of Freedom is focused, holds significant strategic value. These areas have long been contested, with Assad regime forces, Iranian militias, and the SDF vying for control. Securing these territories would bolster the revolutionary forces’ position in northern Syria, disrupt regime supply lines, and curb SDF efforts to expand their influence.
Operation Dawn of Freedom also reflects a commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis in northern Syria. SNA officials have pledged to ensure the safety of civilians in targeted areas and to minimize harm during the military campaign. The operation aims to provide displaced Syrians with the opportunity to return to their homes, rebuilding their lives in freedom and dignity.
This new phase of revolutionary action demonstrates the challenges faced by the Assad regime, which has become increasingly reliant on Russian and Iranian support to maintain its hold over key territories. With revolutionary forces gaining momentum in northern Syria, the dynamics of the conflict are shifting, posing significant challenges to the regime’s long-term strategy.
As clashes continue in Tadif and other contested areas, the success of Operation Dawn of Freedom will have far-reaching implications for the future of northern Syria. Revolutionary forces remain committed to their objectives, undeterred by the obstacles posed by Assad regime forces, Iranian militias, and the SDF. The coming days are likely to see further developments as the operation progresses, reshaping the balance of power in the region.
