The End of Assad? Syrian Rebels enter the outskirts of Aleppo for the first time since 2016

Yep. Been done at a fairly fast speed too

In a bizarre way you may have to thank the Israelis for this. The decapitation of the Hezbollah commanders and destruction of their ammo depots has greatly reduced their capacity and influence. Hezbollah needs time to regroup, rebuild and plan ahead.

Also interesting is I think Russia had to withdraw some of its occupation forces and send them to fight as meat units in Ukraine.

I think Assad is currently on a visit to Putin in Moscow. If things keep going well for the rebels he may end up staying there.

Do not be surprised to hear Russia and Syrian loyalists resorting to barrell bombing campaigns or destruction of civilian urban centres.

Its looking like a complete rout for the Syrian army, even with airpower

Also reports that government backed militia groups have switched sides and are now marching under rebel banners.

Be interesting to see where the Syrian army regroups with it's Russian and Iranian units.

It does sound like good new but the distance to Damascus is 350kms. Syria is a huge country. Will wait to see if cities further South will fall now.

We we're talking about it in the Ukraine thread. This is a nightmare for Putin.

We've seen it before in Iraq, Afghanistan with American propped militaries and we're seeing it again in Syria with the Russian back regime. Leave these countries alone. Wasting trillions for ultimately no gains.

Aleppo will provide the Turkish backed rebels with a second major stronghold in Syria proper now with the safety net of Turkey itself.

Rebels in the centre of New Aleppo. Taking down the regime flag.