Syrian rebels warned Turkey about plans for a large-scale offensive aimed at toppling Bashar Assad's regime nearly six months ago.
This information comes from RBK-Ukraine citing Reuters.
According to sources from the publication, Turkey, which has long been a primary sponsor of the Syrian opposition, provided tacit approval for the actions.
It is noted that Ankara previously opposed such large-scale operations due to concerns over a new wave of refugees.
Thus, the rebels shared the details of their plans with Ankara after failed diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict between Turkey and Assad.
Moreover, the rebels' message to Ankara was clear. They stated that Turkey "does not need to intervene," and should "just let them act."
Sources claim that observing the rigid stance of the Syrian dictator Bashar Assad regarding proposals for political settlement, Ankara has become more open to the rebels' actions.
Indeed, the failure of attempts at political dialogue between President Erdoğan and Assad heightened tensions, leading to tacit approval of the rebels' offensive by the Turkish side.
At the end of November, anti-Assad movements in Syria attacked government forces and began an uprising against the regime.
Significant clashes occurred between the rebels of the Islamist group "Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham," units of the Syrian National Army, and the army of dictator Bashar Assad, who is supported by Russia and Iran.
The rebels captured the strategic city of Aleppo on December 1, followed by Hama on December 5.
In an interview with CNN, Abu Mohammad al-Julani, the leader of the Islamist group "Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham," stated that the primary goal of the rebels is to overthrow Bashar Assad's regime. For more details, see the RBK-Ukraine article.
The rebels have managed to achieve their main objective. It is known that Assad is already in Moscow.