Aleppo Retaken by Syrian Forces

News alerts from Syria are indicating that the ancient city of Aleppo, which has been decimated in recent years beyond the point of recognition, has finally fallen back into control of the Bashar al-Assad government regime. The city has been largely under rebel control for four years, and the announcement was made by the Syrian army just moments ago.

#NEWSFLASH Syrian army says Aleppo retaken

— AFP news agency (@AFP) December 22, 2016

Reports indicate that the last remaining rebel groups, who took control of parts of the historic city years ago, have been defeated by pro-Assad forces. Rebel-held east Aleppo was the last remaining stronghold of the city, and multiple ceasefire agreements last week fell short in its goal to safely evacuate tens of thousands of civilians in dire need of medical and food services.

It marks the Syrian government’s biggest victory in the nearly six-year war that has ravaged the nation since 2011 with the political unrest of the Arab Spring movement.

Rebel lines have collapsed with increased frequency in recent weeks, with anti-Assad fighters withdrawing from neighborhoods in Aleppo in large numbers.

This information is developing and we will update as more becomes known.

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