Hadi Al-Bahra, the President of the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC), said that the situation in Aleppo is unfolding as planned. He emphasized that efforts are advancing toward ensuring security and stability, meeting citizens’ basic needs and services, respecting societal diversity, and adopting mechanisms that honor religions, cultures, and human rights. Special attention is being given to Aleppo’s diversity.
In an interview with the Turkish newspaper Hürriyet, Al-Bahra noted that skilled Syrians will govern Aleppo from the city itself. He added that the work would not start from scratch, as employees will return to their roles, government institutions will be reactivated, and services will be improved. This will be complemented by training new staff to eliminate systemic corruption and safeguard people’s rights.
He highlighted that this plan operates on short- and medium-term goals. However, if a comprehensive political solution is achieved, the plan could be expanded to encompass all of Syria.
Al-Bahra clarified that the primary objectives of these operations include halting the aggression of Assad’s forces and their allied Iranian militias, creating a safe environment for displaced individuals to return to their original homes, and pressuring the Assad regime to engage in a UN-led political process under Resolution 2254 to save what remains of Syria.
He noted that the Assad regime had obstructed and rejected efforts on the political track, prompting revolutionary and opposition forces to pursue negotiations through military operations. The ultimate goal remains to achieve lasting peace for Syrians and transition to a democratic, pluralistic system as stipulated by UN Resolution 2254.
Regarding potential operations in Manbij or Al-Qusayr in rural Homs, Al-Bahra refrained from confirming specific military details. He stressed, however, that the revolution’s goal is to liberate all of Syria, ensuring it becomes a unified, free, and independent country for citizens of all ethnicities, religions, and sects.
Reaffirming the SOC’s readiness to negotiate, he called for establishing a transitional governing body with full executive powers under the Geneva Communique of 2012 and UN Resolution 2254. He emphasized that only solutions meeting the aspirations of Syrians would be acceptable.
Al-Bahra underlined that the military operations involve all opposition groups and the Syrian National Army. He credited their success to neutralizing internal disputes and agreement on clear mechanisms for collaboration.
He explained that the armed opposition groups have also agreed on rules and priorities, such as lifting oppression, liberating cities, safeguarding residents, ensuring security and stability, respecting citizens’ rights, protecting their safety and property, combating extremism and terrorism, and restoring public services swiftly.
Disputes among armed opposition groups, he said, are minor and do not affect the overall unity of revolution forces working toward the shared mission of achieving their objectives.
Regarding Turkey’s role, Al-Bahra expressed deep appreciation for Ankara’s longstanding support of the Syrian people. He urged Türkiye to continue its efforts to support the UN-sponsored political process for a sustainable resolution.
He described the current phase as a struggle for Syrians to liberate their country, stressing the commitment to continue the fight until the people’s aspirations are achieved. Al-Bahra expressed hope for a peaceful resolution through political agreements, as Türkiye advocates. However, he emphasized that if such efforts fail, military action will persist until the last inch of Syrian land is liberated.
Al-Bahra concluded by stating that the revolution forces would seize every opportunity to achieve complete liberation and build a democratic Syria. He praised the morale of the revolution fighters, driven by the desire to return home, reunite with loved ones, and achieve freedom for their homeland. He assured that logistical challenges would not hinder their progress toward liberation.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
