The Syria conflict, now stretching into its 14th year as of March 2025, continues to devastate the nation, with Idlib serving as the last major battleground for rebel forces. The Assad regime, backed by Russia airstrikes, is locked in a brutal struggle against Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), while Turkey’s intervention adds another layer of complexity to this multifaceted war. What was once a revolution for freedom has become a humanitarian nightmare, with millions displaced and entire cities reduced to rubble. Here’s a closer look at the Syria conflict and the forces tearing the country apart.
Assad Regime’s Iron Grip: A Relentless Campaign
The Assad regime, led by Bashar al-Assad, has clung to power through sheer brutality, supported by Russia and Iran. In early 2025, the regime intensified its offensive in Idlib, aiming to crush HTS, the dominant rebel group in the region. Russia airstrikes have played a pivotal role, targeting HTS positions but often hitting civilian infrastructure like hospitals and schools. A March 2025 airstrike on an Idlib marketplace killed over 30 civilians, drawing international condemnation but little action. The Assad regime’s strategy remains clear: reclaim all territory at any cost, regardless of the human toll.
HTS: The Last Stand of the Rebellion
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a jihadist group with roots in Al-Qaeda, has emerged as the primary opposition force in Idlib. Despite its extremist origins, HTS has sought to rebrand itself as a governing authority, providing services to civilians while fighting the Assad regime. In 2025, HTS has held its ground against regime advances, launching counterattacks with support from Turkish-supplied weapons. However, the group’s strict rule and infighting with other rebel factions have weakened its position, leaving Idlib’s future uncertain.
Turkey Intervention: A Fragile Buffer
Turkey’s intervention in the Syria conflict has been a double-edged sword. Ankara has positioned itself as a protector of Idlib’s civilians, establishing military outposts and brokering ceasefires with Russia. However, Turkey’s primary goal is to counter the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which it views as a terrorist threat. In February 2025, Turkish forces clashed with SDF fighters near Idlib, diverting resources from the fight against Assad. Turkey’s intervention has provided a lifeline for Idlib’s 3 million residents, but it has also drawn criticism for prioritizing geopolitical interests over humanitarian needs.
Russia Airstrikes: A Devastating Force
Russia’s role in the Syria conflict has been decisive, with its airstrikes enabling the Assad regime to reclaim much of the country. In Idlib, Russia airstrikes have targeted HTS strongholds, but they’ve also caused widespread civilian casualties. The UN has documented numerous strikes on civilian areas, including a January 2025 attack on a refugee camp that killed dozens. Russia’s military support has bolstered Assad’s position, but it has also deepened the humanitarian crisis, with many accusing Moscow of war crimes.
Idlib: A Humanitarian Catastrophe
Idlib, the last rebel-held enclave, is a microcosm of the Syria conflict’s horrors. Over 3 million people, half of them displaced, are crammed into the region, living in overcrowded camps with limited access to food, water, and medical care. Russia airstrikes and Assad regime offensives have made life unbearable, while Turkey’s intervention offers only temporary reprieve. The UN warns that Idlib is on the brink of collapse, with winter conditions in 2025 exacerbating the suffering of those trapped in the conflict zone.
The Syria conflict remains a tragic saga, with the Assad regime, HTS, Turkey’s intervention, and Russia airstrikes fueling a cycle of violence in Idlib. Can this war-torn nation ever find peace, or will Idlib become another forgotten casualty of global indifference? Stay informed on this ongoing crisis and its profound human cost.