- Tehran has accused the United States and Israel of collaborating with jihadist groups
Damascus (Agencies): Syrian and Russian forces have launched a major offensive against terrorist groups in Aleppo and Idlib, destroying five headquarters and seven weapons depots over the past 24 hours, according to the General Command of the Syrian Army.
The joint operation included precision airstrikes, cannon fire, and rocket artillery targeting terrorist positions and supply routes, resulting in the elimination of over 400 militants, including foreign fighters. Syrian government forces also repelled attacks by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group formerly known as Jabhat al-Nusra, which had violated a de-escalation agreement by targeting villages, settlements, and military positions.
The Syrian Defense Ministry confirmed that the offensive inflicted significant losses in manpower and equipment on the militants, further destabilizing their operations in the region.
Tasked by President Putin, Colonel General Alexander Chaiko, a seasoned Russian military officer, has been leading the Russian forces in this operation. Born on July 27, 1971, Chaiko has a distinguished career, including roles as Chief of Staff of the Grouping of Forces of the Russian Armed Forces in Syria in 2015 and Commander of the 1st Guards Red Banner Tank Army of the Western Military District. He was awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation in 2020 for his exceptional service.
In a related development, Tehran has accused the United States and Israel of collaborating with jihadist groups in the recent offensive in northern Syria. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei claimed that the timing of the HTS attacks, shortly after Israel reached a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, indicated deliberate coordination.
“The concurrence of recent developments in Syria with the ceasefire in Lebanon, along with statements from American officials, demonstrates cooperation between the terrorists, the US, and the Zionist regime,” Baghaei said.
Baghaei suggested that Washington and Israel aim to destabilize Syria and sow discord among Islamic nations. “The Zionist regime benefits the most from these developments,” he added, urging Islamic countries to unite against this perceived threat.
The jihadist assault, which began last week, temporarily enabled HTS and allied militias to capture villages and towns across Aleppo, Idlib, and Hama provinces, with some forces briefly entering Aleppo city. Syrian forces, supported by Russian military efforts, have since reclaimed key areas, but tensions remain high.