ASSESSMENTS

Rebels' Options Are Limited in the Battle for Aleppo

Jul 17, 2014 | 09:15 GMT

Rebel Forces' Options Are Limited in the Battle for Aleppo
Rubble of buildings after a reported regime airstrike July 14 in Aleppo.

(BARAA AL-HALABI/AFP/Getty Images)

Summary

The enduring and often back-and-forth battle for Aleppo is entering another phase yet again. The rebels entrenched in the city have already allocated forces to counter recent loyalist advances in the east, and they may also be pushed to reinforce their position against Islamic State militants encroaching from the north, potentially stretching their resources dangerously thin. If Aleppo falls to the loyalists, the momentum of the Syrian conflict will shift significantly in favor of the regime.

Moves by regime forces and the Islamic State present substantial obstacles to rebel objectives in the area....

Subscribe to view this article

Subscribe Now

Subscribe

Already have an account?