Aleppo offensive becomes do-or-die for the Syrian Army

The massacre that took place inside the provincial capital of Aleppo on Monday has infuriated the people of this historical Syrian city.

The overwhelming majority of civilians in the provincial capital live under the government; and while they can flee to safer provinces like Latakia or Tartous, the people of Aleppo obstinately remain in their shell-ridden homes.

Since August of 2012, the people of Aleppo City have been under constant fear of the rebel forces that have indiscriminately targeted their homes for not supporting their cause.

For many residents, Aleppo City is more than just a place to live; it is their very soul that has built centuries of history.

While tourists gawk over sites like the ancient Citadel and Souq; it is these people (Halabis) that have cultivated and maintained much of Aleppo’s infrastructure for many generations

So, as you can imagine, leaving Aleppo City is not an option for most of theses residents.

Instead, they put their faith in the Syrian Arab Army (SAA), who they entrust to protect them and their country.

Soldiers from Aleppo even make up a large part of the army, which includes several special operation units that serve as far east as Qamishli and as far south as Al-Sweida.

However, the situation is different now; while the majority of Syrians enjoyed the nationwide ceasefire over the last two months, the people of Aleppo were subjected to constant attacks from unknown rebel groups.

Moreover, life has become unbearable for the 1 million civilians still living in Aleppo City; and it is not getting any better.

Frustration is mounting over the Syrian Arab Army’s inactivity at this front and many blame the High Command of the Syrian Armed Forces for their plight.

Each time the Syrian Armed Forces announce an offensive at Aleppo City; it is called off within days.

This cannot continue to happen if the Syrian Armed Forces plan on recapturing Aleppo City anytime soon.

The longer they wait, the more time the opposition forces have to reassemble and launch new attacks that take a toll on the remaining residents of this historical Syrian city.