Syria's Civil War Rekindled: Key Players in the Ongoing Conflict

Syria's long-running civil war has once again captured global attention, particularly after a surprise rebel offensive that led to insurgents capturing most of Aleppo, the country’s largest city, along with several nearby towns and villages. This unexpected development has reignited fierce fighting in the region, particularly in the aftermath of the relative calm that followed a ceasefire agreement in 2020. The renewed violence, marked by some of the heaviest clashes in recent years, has raised the stakes in a conflict that has drawn in multiple international actors with competing interests.

The civil war, which erupted in 2011 as a response to protests against President Bashar Assad’s regime, continues to be a complex and multifaceted conflict. Today, five foreign powers—Russia, Iran, the United States, Turkey, and Israel—maintain a military presence within Syria’s borders. Various factions, each supported by these powers, control significant portions of the country, and the situation remains in a state of flux, with shifting alliances and ongoing military engagements.

Syrian Pro-Government Forces, Backed by Russia and Iran

The Assad regime, with significant support from its allies, Russia and Iran, continues to hold control over much of Syria’s population centers. Russian and Iranian forces have played a critical role in bolstering Assad’s military capabilities, helping it reclaim territories over the course of the war. The Syrian government's retaking of Aleppo in 2016 was seen as a pivotal moment, signaling a potential turning point in favor of Assad. However, the recent loss of the city is a major setback for the government and its allies.

Iran's military advisers and proxy fighters have been key to sustaining Assad’s forces, and while the recent conflict with Israel has stretched Iran’s resources, Iraqi militias backed by Tehran have reportedly been deployed to support the government's counteroffensive. Russia’s military presence, including its naval base on the Mediterranean and the Hemeimeem air base in Latakia, continues to be a cornerstone of Assad's defensive strategy, even though much of Russia’s attention is diverted due to its ongoing war in Ukraine.

Insurgent Groups, Supported Mainly by Turkey

Opposing Assad’s government are various rebel factions, with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) emerging as a dominant force. Originally linked to al-Qaeda, HTS has since distanced itself from the terrorist organization and sought to rebrand itself as a more politically viable actor. It now controls much of northwest Syria and has established a governance system in the areas it holds.

Other insurgent groups include those backed by Turkey, such as the Syrian National Army, which has been involved in clashes with Kurdish-led forces in northern Syria. Turkey itself controls parts of the north and has provided both military and logistical support to a variety of rebel factions. Among the foreign fighters involved in the northwest’s battles are Chinese fighters from the Turkistan Islamic Party and Chechen fighters from the former Soviet Union.

Syrian Democratic Forces, Supported by the United States

In eastern Syria, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) represent another key player in the conflict. The SDF, which is supported by the United States, controls large swaths of territory and has been instrumental in defeating the Islamic State (ISIS). The U.S. has approximately 900 troops stationed in Syria’s east, tasked with guarding against any resurgence of ISIS militants.

The SDF remains a significant force in the conflict, holding neighborhoods in Aleppo encircled by insurgents. However, the dynamics surrounding the SDF are complex. While insurgents have offered to allow SDF forces to relocate to northeastern Syria, it remains unclear whether this offer will be accepted. Turkey views the SDF as a branch of the PKK, a Kurdish separatist group it considers a terrorist organization, further complicating the SDF’s role and interactions with other factions in the war.

The Regional and Global Impact

As the Syrian civil war enters its 14th year, the conflict has become a proxy war involving several international actors, each pursuing its own strategic goals. Russia and Iran’s support for Assad’s government is seen as crucial to maintaining his rule, while the United States, Turkey, and other regional powers continue to back opposing factions. The involvement of foreign fighters from groups such as the Turkistan Islamic Party and the PKK highlights the global dimensions of the conflict, with multiple ideological and geopolitical interests at play.

The situation in Syria remains fluid, with alliances shifting and violence continuing unabated. Despite various ceasefire agreements and diplomatic efforts, a comprehensive resolution to the conflict seems distant. As insurgent groups push further into key territories and foreign powers adjust their military strategies, the future of Syria and its people hangs in the balance, marked by ongoing struggles for control and the ever-present threat of a prolonged humanitarian crisis.

The conflict’s complexity shows no sign of abating, with each key player vying for influence, territory, and control over the country’s future. As the war enters its second decade, the prospects for peace seem as elusive as ever.