ASSESSMENTS

In Syria, the Stakes Are High for a Rebel Offensive

Apr 24, 2015 | 23:29 GMT

Syria: Can A Rebel Offensive Defeat Damascus?
Fighters from a coalition of rebel forces stand on a tank in the Syrian city of Idlib on March 29.

(ZEIN AL-RIFAI/AFP/Getty Images)

Summary

Syrian rebels launched one of the largest and most ambitious operations of the Syrian civil war April 22. Around 9,000-12,000 fighters from 40 rebel groups assembled for a wide-scale offensive stretching across the northwestern provinces of Idlib and Hama. The operation brings together rebel factions with extremely diverse ideologies and strengths, ranging from the powerful jihadist Jabhat al-Nusra faction to smaller units affiliated with the Free Syrian Army. While determined and daring, the offensive — labeled "The Battle of Victory" — is risky: The rebels are going up against significant loyalist forces, including a number of highly trained and motivated elite units.

The rebels displayed improved coordination in their latest operation, but that might not be enough to achieve their goals....

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