A defense official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters, said that the Pentagon had monitored equipment used in the Palmyra offensive being sent back toward areas around Aleppo as well as near the borders between Idlib and Latakia provinces. While al-Qaeda’s affiliate in Syria, Jabhat al-Nusra, is active in these regions and is not included in the recent cease-fire, the official believes the buildup of equipment could be used in renewed offensives against areas held by Syrian opposition forces that are considered more moderate.

AD

AD

Before the February cease-fire, Syrian troops, alongside Iranian forces and supported by Russian artillery and airstrikes, made significant gains in northern Syria, nearly encircling opposition fighters in Aleppo. A defeat in Aleppo, one of the last strongholds for the rebels, would be a significant setback in their battle against Assad. In recent days, opposition groups have gone on the offensive in the area. The cease-fire, despite daily violations, has held far longer than initially expected and has reduced violence throughout the country. More than 250,000 have died in the five-year-old conflict.

Although Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged to withdraw Russian forces from Syria last month, a large contingent of Russian aircraft, including advanced helicopter gunships, still remain. Aside from the air support, Russia has also lent heavy artillery to Syrian troops and their proxies, including howitzers and rocket artillery. Additionally, Russian Special Operations forces are still on the ground, acting in an advisory role and coordinating airstrikes.

AD

AD