Newsweek: Syrian opposition's acquisition of advanced Russian equipment is a major shift in the war

The seizure of advanced military equipment by opposition forces in northern Syria, including the Russian Pantsir-S1 air defense system, is a major and complex shift in the ongoing conflict, Newsweek reported.

This development comes in the wake of the surprise aggression deterrence operation launched by opposition forces in Aleppo and neighboring provinces, under the leadership of the Military Operations Department, which represents a sudden turning point after years of relative stagnation, according to the magazine.

The report, written by security and defense correspondent Ellie Cook, called the attack the biggest challenge to the rule of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in several years.

Sudden developments

Opposition forces, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other factions, have taken control of key areas in Aleppo and Idlib, where rebels have reportedly seized important military equipment abandoned by the Syrian regime during its floundering withdrawal.

On the other hand, the magazine continues, the forces loyal to Assad, which enjoy Russian and Iranian support, are under severe pressure. The government has deployed military reinforcements and intensified its air strikes - with the participation of Russian military aircraft - to confront the advance of the rebels.

But the report notes that Russia's involvement in Ukraine and limited ability to focus on Syria have weakened Assad's defenses, and likewise Iran's confrontation with Israel may weaken its ability to effectively support the Syrian government.

The United States and research centers, such as the American Institute for National Security Studies, are monitoring the situation, warning of the potential consequences of the expansion of the conflict after the opposition obtains weapons, according to the report.

Defensive ability

The magazine explains that the opposition's acquisition of the Pantsir system is likely to change the balance of the battle, as it will provide it with significant defensive capabilities, which will make the Syrian army's air operations, which are a point of strength, more difficult.

The report highlighted the impact of the Syrian army's bombing on civilians, saying that as Russian and Syrian forces intensified their air strikes, civilian casualties increased, and many were forced to flee, exacerbating the already existing humanitarian crisis.

The ongoing clashes are likely to escalate as both sides seek to consolidate their positions, according to Newsweek.

Source: Newsweek