Half of Aleppo is now under the control of jihadists and rebels, with the city’s airport closed and all flights canceled. Panic has gripped the population, ending years of relative calm in northwestern Syria. Meanwhile, Russia has pledged support.

Jihadist forces and their allies entered Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, on Friday following a two-day blitz against Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The assault has shattered the uneasy stability in the region. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, over 277 people have been killed, marking the bloodiest clashes in the area since 2020.

Aleppo Province, largely held by government forces, borders Idlib, the last major rebel and jihadist stronghold. The jihadists, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied groups, seized roughly half of Aleppo, including areas near its historic citadel, after a rapid offensive.

Airport Closure and Military Withdrawal

The Syrian government has closed Aleppo’s airport, canceling all flights. Key roads to and from the city have been blocked as troops were ordered to withdraw safely from neighborhoods overtaken by jihadists and their rebel allies, according to military sources.

Witnesses reported seeing armed men in Aleppo, with scenes of chaos unfolding in the city for the first time in years. The jihadists quickly took control of five districts, encountering little resistance from government forces, according to the Syrian Observatory.

Panic Among Residents

Residents describe renewed fear as the sound of rockets and artillery returned after a period of calm. “We’re terrified that the war will start again, and we’ll have to leave our homes,” one resident said.

Jihadist forces have now captured nearly 50 strategic locations since their assault began, according to reports. In response, Russian and Syrian air forces launched heavy strikes on Idlib Province.

Russian Support and Strategic Importance

Russia has promised additional military aid to help repel the jihadist offensive. Supplies are expected to arrive at Syria’s Hmeimim Air Base within 72 hours. The recapture of Sarakeb, a key town in Idlib, is seen as a strategic move to hinder Assad’s forces from advancing further into Aleppo.

As tensions escalate, the conflict signals a grim return to violence in a city that had endured years of devastating war.