Syrian rebels capture key cities in surprise offensive led by HTS

Syrian rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army, launched a surprise offensive on November 27. They captured key cities, including Aleppo and Hama, marking a significant shift in control. HTS, once linked to al-Qaida, is now the most powerful rebel faction in Syria. It has a history of violence and is designated a terrorist group by the U.S. Human rights concerns persist in areas under its control. The Syrian National Army has fluctuated between alliance and rivalry with HTS. Turkey, a supporter of these groups, has recently called for reconciliation and denied involvement in the current offensive.