US Forces Face Challenges in War Torn Syria – Guy D. McCardle

In a dramatic turn of events, Syria’s civil war has reignited with a ferocity unseen in years. Rebel forces, spearheaded by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have launched a surprise offensive, seizing control of Aleppo—the nation’s largest city and a strategic linchpin. This development not only reshapes the Syrian conflict but also places U.S. forces stationed in the region in a precarious position.

The Resurgence of Conflict

On November 27, 2024, HTS, alongside Turkish-backed factions within the Syrian National Army, initiated a coordinated assault against the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) across the Idlib, Aleppo, and Hama Governorates. This offensive, dubbed “Deterrence of Aggression,” led to the rapid capture of key territories, including the strategic towns of Urm Al-Sughra and Anjara, as well as Base 46, the largest regime base in the area.

By November 29, rebel forces had entered Aleppo, marking their first presence in the city since 2016. The swift advance caught the Assad regime off guard, compelling Syrian and Russian warplanes to launch intensive airstrikes on rebel-held positions.

Who are Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham?

Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham is an Islamist militant group that operates primarily in northwestern Syria. It was originally founded in 2012 as Jabhat al-Nusra, an affiliate of al-Qaeda. However, the group broke ties with al-Qaeda in 2016, rebranding itself as Jabhat Fateh al-Sham before merging with other factions in 2017 to form HTS. Today, it is the largest opposition group in northwestern Syria, controlling much of Idlib province and parts of western Aleppo. The group is believed to have between 12,000 and 15,000 fighters.

HTS’s main goal is to overthrow the Assad regime and establish Islamic rule in Syria. While it claims to have moderated its stance since cutting ties with al-Qaeda, its ideology remains rooted in Islamist principles. To manage the areas under its control, HTS has established a governing body known as the Syrian Salvation Government. This administration oversees local governance and exerts economic control over resources and border crossings in its territories.

Internationally, HTS is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and several other countries due to its origins and ongoing activities. Recently, the group led a significant military offensive, capturing large parts of Aleppo and advancing towards Hama, marking the most substantial gains by opposition forces since 2016.

Implications for U.S. Forces

Approximately 900 U.S. troops are stationed in eastern Syria, primarily tasked with advising and assisting local forces in combating the remnants of the Islamic State (ISIS).

The resurgence of large-scale hostilities presents multifaceted challenges: