Why the Syrian army is struggling to stop the Islamist insurgents

In recent months, the Syrian army has been facing a significant challenge as rebel Islamist fighters have managed to take over large portions of Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city. Not only have they seized control of the airport, but they have also captured dozens of towns and villages in the region.

Syria, along with its ally Russia, has responded to the insurgency by carrying out airstrikes against the rebels. President Bashar al-Assad has made it clear that he is determined to defeat the insurgents and regain control of the territory they have taken.

This escalation of conflict in Aleppo marks one of the biggest challenges the Assad regime has faced in years. Thousands of rebel fighters, including members of various Islamist groups, are now posing a serious threat to the stability of the region.

To shed light on this complex situation, Aaron Zelin, a Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and the Founder of Jihadology dot net, provides insights in an interview. The discussion delves into the factors contributing to the Syrian army’s struggles to stop the Islamist insurgents and the implications of the ongoing conflict.

As the situation in Syria continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the Assad regime will confront the rebel fighters and restore stability in Aleppo. The outcome of this conflict will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences for the region and beyond.