Syrian Army Reports 'Significant Advance' in Aleppo; Rebels Say Battle Continues

The Syrian Army claims to have successfully taken control of a highly strategic area in Aleppo on Tuesday. However, rebels opposing Bashar al-Assad have stated that the fighting is still ongoing. The 1070 area, or '1070 Complex', is located in the southwest of Aleppo; if Assad's forces and their allies have indeed managed to fully control it - as reported by Reuters - it would represent the most significant recent advance in Aleppo. The clashes for control of this area have been ongoing for a long time, and reports of some advances by the Syrian Army and its allies have emerged in recent weeks. This complex is near the entrance to the rebel-controlled area in Aleppo. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, based in London, is another source that has confirmed the complete capture of the 1070 Complex by Assad's forces and their allies. According to the 'Syrian Observatory for Human Rights', this is the most significant advance of government forces since September. On the other hand, Reuters quotes several spokespeople for the anti-Assad militants saying they are still trying to push back the army forces. A senior member of the rebel group 'Fastaqim' stated that the army has taken control of the area, but the rebels are still fighting them. Additionally, a member of the political office of the rebel group 'Zanki' mentioned that they have managed to regain some positions they had lost. Nearly two weeks ago, rebels in Aleppo launched extensive operations and attacks on government positions and areas controlled by Bashar al-Assad's forces and their allies, including Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed militias. A significant portion of the rebels consists of a branch of al-Qaeda, which has now changed its name, along with some Salafi groups, while others are from allied groups of the 'Free Syrian Army'. The Syrian civil war is on the verge of entering its sixth year. At least between 270,000 to half a million people have been killed during this war, and half of the country's population is displaced. Aleppo, which has been the center of intense clashes between Assad's forces and their allies, including Russia and Iran, was once considered the economic hub of the country. In this context, 'at least 74 civilians' have been killed in attacks by anti-Assad forces on government areas in Aleppo.