Russian Jets Support Syrian Counteroffensive After Jihadist Insurgents Capture Aleppo

Russian fighter jets have carried out airstrikes against jihadist militants attacking the northern city of Aleppo, as thousands of Syrian Islamic militants entered the city with little resistance from government troops. The escalation follows weeks of low-level violence and a fragile truce mediated by Russia and Turkey in 2020. The government in Damascus claimed its troops have "inflicted heavy losses" on the attackers and regained control of some areas. Local media reported the arrival of Syrian Army reinforcements to both Idlib and Aleppo on Friday. Twenty fighters were killed in the airstrikes, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Aleppo residents reported clashes and gunfire, with some fleeing the fighting. Schools and government offices were closed Saturday as most people stayed indoors, according to Sham FM radio, a pro-government station. Bakeries were open. Witnesses said the insurgents deployed security forces around the city to prevent any acts of violence or looting.