The ‘Anti-Assad Triangle,’ comprising Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Syrian Opposition Forces, and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), has recaptured significant parts of Aleppo in a surprise offensive, pushing back regime forces weakened by the absence of strong support from Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah. Turkey has backed this coalition to pressure Assad, while Israel benefits from the disruption to Iranian and Hezbollah infrastructure in Syria. However, regional security concerns persist, with potential re-engagements by Iranian forces, Hezbollah, and Russian interests to stabilise Assad's crumbling hold on power. The coming days will test the regime's ability to regroup or face further losses.
Pakistani police from multiple provinces and domestic intelligence agencies and counter-terrorism department have dismantled an Islamic State cell linked to both IS in Wilayah Khorasan (ISKP) and IS in Wilayah Pakistan (ISPP) in a cross-country operation that took place in Rawalpindi and Peshawar.