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In 2013, a chemical weapons attack in Ghouta marked a pivotal moment in the conflict, prompting the U.S. to threaten military intervention. Although a diplomatic solution ensued, the war only intensified, leading to the rise of various factions, including extremist groups like ISIS, complicating the landscape further.
External Involvement: A Proxy War
As the conflict escalated, foreign powers became increasingly involved. Russian airstrikes began supporting Assad’s regime in 2015, helping restore some control over lost territories. By late 2016, Aleppo fell back into Assad's hands, marking a critical turning point. However, in the northeast, Kurdish-led forces, taking advantage of ISIS' weakening grip, began reclaiming territory.