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The offensive, marked by the swift and organized approach of Syrian jihadists and their Turkish-backed allies, caught many by surprise. The rebel forces were not the ordinary insurgents; they were equipped like a professional military, boasting entire units of infantry, tanks, armored fighting vehicles, and even drone detachments. The question arises: where did they acquire such robust military assets?
While Russia's military focus lay with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Turkey strategically mobilized its forces, launching a swift and deadly assault against Assad’s troops. The rapid insurgent advance from Aleppo caused shockwaves, raising concerns over the southern advance of the rebels potentially reaching Damascus.