Second phase of battle for Syria’s Aleppo begins PHOTO   

During an operation launched on the morning of November 28, the Syrian opposition took control of an area spanning 500 square kilometres.

The joint operational headquarters announced that the Aleppo-Damascus road has been cut off and the second phase of the war has begun. During the Operation "Aggression Containment", opposition groups advancing from the Anadan and Zahra areas reached Aleppo, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media. 

Muhammad Makboor, one of the opposition commanders, stated that they inflicted over 150 casualties on Assad's army and its allies, including senior officers, and captured more than 30 tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery.

The rebels continued their march toward Zahra, Khanasir and in the countryside of Aleppo, Major General Kiomars Pourhashemi, the commander of Iranian military advisors in Syria, along with around 30 Shiite militants, were neutralised.

Pourhashemi was a senior officer of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). 

Majid Osman, one of the Turkmen opposition fighters from Aleppo, stated that the rebels advancing on Aleppo from the direction of Hayyan and Anadan were, in fact, just a few kilometres from the city centre along the Zahra axis. 

"During the ongoing march from Al-Breija, Zahra, and Nedan-Hayyan, as well as Ashrafiyeh and Sheikh Maqsoud—areas that Assad handed over to the PKK terrorist organisation and granted a form of autonomy—these areas were liberated. The route between Tal Rifaat and Manbij has been severed," he said. 

"It would be a mistake to view this incident solely as one related to Aleppo. If Aleppo is liberated, the chances of the PKK maintaining control over Tel Rifaat along with Sheikh Maqsoud Ashrafieh will be zero. PKK convoys are already heading to assist Assad. They are trying to establish a front along the Medreset-al-Mushhad and Layramun lines. This operation has literally turned everything upside down," he said. 

He noted that pupils are currently on holiday, and many government services, including healthcare institutions, have come to a halt. While Iranian militias are arriving to support Aleppo, looting Shabiha forces are fleeing toward Damascus.

Ahmet Kader, one of the immigrants from Aleppo, emphasised that millions of Syrians have been longing for their homes for over 10 years. 

"If we are freed from Assad's regime and Iranian invaders, it will take us several years to rebuild. The burden on Türkiye will also be eased," he added.

In Ankara, officials note that the operation was driven by compelling reasons and that the 2019 agreement had been violated by all parties, especially Assad's administration, as well as Russia and Iran. Türkiye also emphasised its determination to secure its military presence in the region and combat the PKK terrorist organisation.

By Naila Huseynova