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Philippine jobless rate slightly increases to 1.97 million in October, PSA reports

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Philippine jobless rate slightly increases to 1.97 million in October, PSA reports

MANILA. The number of unemployed Filipinos rose slightly to 1.97 million in October, marking a marginal increase from the previous month, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) released on Friday. The PSA attributed the increase to disruptions caused by consecutive storms that affected labor force participation during the month.

PSA Chief and National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa explained that the number of jobless individuals, aged 15 and above, grew from 1.89 million in September, but showed improvement when compared to 2.09 million unemployed people in October 2023. This resulted in an unemployment rate of 3.9%, up from 3.7% in September.

“We saw a decline in labor force participation and the number of employed because of weather disturbances… which entered the country in at least three weeks of October. It had an impact on the decision of our fellow Filipinos to participate in the labor market,” Mapa stated during a press conference.

Despite the slight uptick, year-on-year data showed a positive trend, with the total labor force expanding from 49.88 million in October 2023 to 50.12 million in October 2024. Mapa assured that the increase in unemployment figures was temporary, driven by the storms. “But if you look at the year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter data, there is an increase, so we view this as temporary because of the weather disturbances,” Mapa said.

The number of employed individuals also decreased, from 49.87 million in September to 48.16 million in October. However, there was a notable increase from 47.79 million employed people in October 2023.

In terms of industry, the services sector remained the largest contributor to employment, accounting for 61% of the workforce in October 2024. The agriculture and industry sectors followed with 21.2% and 17.9%, respectively.

Notable sub-sectors that saw significant growth in employment include:

  • Administrative and support service activities: +247,000
  • Accommodation and food service activities: +215,000
  • Transportation and storage: +202,000
  • Construction: +121,000
  • Mining and quarrying: +101,000

On the other hand, sectors that experienced declines in employment included:

  • Fishing and aquaculture: -213,000
  • Wholesale and retail trade: -212,000
  • Agriculture and forestry: -183,000
  • Manufacturing: -123,000
  • Other service activities: -23,000

The underemployment rate also rose to 12.6% in October, from 11.7% in the same month last year, affecting approximately 6.08 million workers who sought additional hours or another job. This increase was primarily seen in the wholesale and retail trade, agriculture, and forestry sectors.

However, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan noted that the government is focused on mitigating the economic impact of recent calamities. “We are developing a governance framework for public-private partnerships to finance climate-resilient infrastructure and provide emergency employment assistance,” he said. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is also continuing to implement its Tulong Panghanapbuhay Para sa Ating Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, offering cash-for-work assistance to displaced individuals.

Regarding employment types, wage and salary workers accounted for the largest portion of the workforce at 63.8%, followed by self-employed individuals without employees at 27.7%. The remaining share was made up of unpaid family workers (5.9%) and employers in family-run businesses (2.6%).

The government has been making strides to generate more job opportunities by prioritizing critical infrastructure projects in sectors like connectivity, telecommunications, and energy. “We are prioritizing the upskilling and reskilling of our workforce to equip Filipino workers with the knowledge and capabilities needed in today’s dynamic job market,” Balisacan concluded.

South Korea’s ruling party vows to fight Yoon impeachment

Venus L Peñaflor
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South Korea’s ruling party vows to fight Yoon impeachment

SEOUL, South Korea. South Korea’s political crisis deepened as opposition lawmakers announced plans to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol following his controversial declaration of martial law earlier this week. The move has sparked public outrage and international concern, with Yoon’s own administration in turmoil after the resignation of Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun.

The Democratic Party, the main opposition group, plans to hold a parliamentary vote on Saturday at 7 p.m. (1000 GMT) to impeach Yoon. “The Yoon Suk Yeol regime’s declaration of emergency martial law caused great confusion and fear among our people,” Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Seung-won said during an early morning session at the National Assembly.

On Tuesday, Yoon’s declaration of martial law attempted to ban political activity and censor the media in South Korea, Asia’s fourth-largest economy and a key U.S. ally. The move has drawn sharp criticism from international leaders and allies, including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who told Reuters that Washington had not been informed in advance.

Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, accused of advising Yoon to impose martial law, resigned on Thursday. President Yoon accepted it and nominated Choi Byung-hyuk, South Korea’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, as Kim’s replacement.

Vice-Defence Minister Kim Seon-ho revealed that Kim Yong-hyun had ordered troops to deploy near parliament, adding that he was unaware of the martial law declaration until it was publicly announced. “I have fundamentally opposed the mobilization of military forces under martial law and have expressed negative opinions about it,” Kim Seon-ho told a parliamentary hearing, apologizing for his inability to prevent the crisis.

The Democratic Party requires at least eight lawmakers from Yoon’s ruling People Power Party to back the impeachment motion for it to pass with a two-thirds majority in the 300-seat parliament. The People Power Party, divided over the issue, has declared its opposition to impeachment as Yoon still has two years left in his five-year term.

Yoon’s presidency has been increasingly contentious. He has faced criticism for his hardline stance on labor unions and allegations of influence-peddling involving him and his wife. In November, he dismissed accusations against him, labeling his critics as “communist totalitarian and anti-state forces.”

The crisis has also raised security concerns in the region. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba noted that Japan’s security environment could be “fundamentally changed” by instability in Seoul and North Korea’s increasing military assertiveness. “What will happen to South Korea? There appears to be a great deal of domestic criticism and opposition,” Ishiba said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Yoon’s efforts to improve relations with Tokyo.

General Paul LaCamera, commander of U.S. Forces-Korea, advised American troops to exercise caution amid the protests, underscoring the potential for “unexpected” developments. The United States has 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea as part of a post-Korean War alliance.

As the political storm intensifies, questions remain about Yoon’s leadership stability and its implications for South Korea’s alliances and domestic governance.

PSA: Inflation pumalo sa 2.5% noong Nobyembre

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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PSA: Inflation pumalo sa 2.5% noong Nobyembre

MAYNILA. Tumaas ang inflation rate ng bansa noong Nobyembre, ayon sa ulat ng Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) nitong Huwebes.

Iniulat ng PSA na ang headline inflation ay umabot sa 2.5 porsyento noong Nobyembre, mas mataas kumpara sa 2.3 porsyento noong Oktubre. Ang naturang datos ay pasok sa forecast range ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) na nasa 2.2 hanggang 3 porsyento.

Mula Enero hanggang Nobyembre ng taong kasalukuyan, ang average inflation ay nasa 3.2 porsyento, na nananatiling pasok sa target range ng pamahalaan na 2 hanggang 4 porsyento.

Ayon pa sa PSA, “Core inflation, which excludes selected food and energy items, increased to 2.5 percent in November 2024 from 2.4 percent in October 2024. In November 2023, core inflation was faster at 4.7 percent.”

Ang core inflation ay binibigyang pansin dahil ito’y nagtatanggal ng epekto ng mas pabagu-bagong presyo ng pagkain at enerhiya, kaya’t mas nagpapakita ito ng pangkalahatang kondisyon ng ekonomiya.

Patuloy na binabantayan ng mga eksperto ang paggalaw ng inflation sa bansa upang matiyak ang katatagan ng ekonomiya at kapakanan ng mga mamamayan.

Bagong impeachment complaint inihain laban kay Sara Duterte

Venus L Peñaflor
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Bagong impeachment complaint inihain laban kay Sara Duterte

MAYNILA. Inihain abg isang panibagong impeachment complaint laban kay Bise Presidente Sara Duterte noong Miyerkules sa House of Representatives.

Mahigit 70 katao mula sa iba’t ibang sektor ang nagsumite ng ikalawang reklamo laban kay Duterte. Sa kanilang reklamo, binanggit nila na nilabag umano ni Duterte ang tiwala ng publiko dahil sa “pang-aabuso sa discretionary powers” kaugnay ng confidential funds, kawalan ng pagpapahalaga sa transparency at accountability, at pagpapabaya sa tungkulin dahil sa pagtangging kilalanin ang Congressional oversight sa panahon ng budget deliberations.

Ayon sa reklamo, “The betrayal of public trust evident in respondent’s actions represents a fundamental breach of the covenant between public servant and citizen— a breach so severe that it can only be remedied by her removal from office through impeachment with the penalty of permanent disqualification from holding public office.”

Dagdag pa sa reklamo, “It is time to put an end to the regime of fiscal impunity that has plagued the Office of the Vice President since 2022.”

Ang pagsasampa ng bagong reklamo ay kasunod ng unang impeachment complaint laban kay Duterte na inihain noong Lunes, Disyembre 2, ng mga advocacy group.

Samantala, sinabi ng dalawang mambabatas na obligadong aksyunan ng Kamara ang impeachment complaint alinsunod sa mandato ng Konstitusyon.

Sa kabilang banda, una nang sinabi ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na hindi siya pabor sa anumang plano ng impeachment laban kay Duterte, dahil naniniwala siyang wala itong maitutulong sa buhay ng mga Pilipino.

Photo credit: GMA7 News Online

Philippines and China exchange accusations on South China Sea confrontation

Venus L Peñaflor
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Philippines and China exchange accusations on South China Sea confrontation


The Philippines and China traded sharp accusations on Wednesday over a maritime confrontation near the contested Scarborough Shoal, highlighting ongoing tensions in the South China Sea. Both nations provided conflicting accounts of the incident, underscoring their deep-seated territorial disputes.

The Chinese Coast Guard accused four Philippine ships of intruding into its claimed waters around the Scarborough Shoal, which Beijing calls Huangyan Island.

“Philippine ships had dangerously approached our normal law enforcement patrol vessels,” said Liu Dejun, a Chinese Coast Guard spokesperson. Liu claimed that one Philippine vessel ignored repeated warnings, engaging in actions that “seriously threatened the safety of a Chinese coast guard vessel.”

Liu issued a stern warning: “We warn the Philippines to immediately stop infringement, provocation, and propaganda, otherwise it will be responsible for all consequences.”

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) disputed China’s narrative, alleging that Chinese navy and coastguard ships engaged in aggressive maneuvers against a routine patrol by Philippine vessels and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

A PCG spokesperson detailed that Chinese vessels used a water cannon, sideswiped a PCG vessel, and employed “blocking, shadowing, and dangerous maneuvers” against Philippine ships.

The incident comes weeks after China submitted nautical charts to the United Nations asserting its claim over the Scarborough Shoal. China has drawn territorial baselines around the shoal, which the Philippines refers to as Bajo de Masinloc, describing the submission as a “legitimate activity to defend territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.”

Jonathan Malaya, spokesperson for the Philippine National Security Council, criticized China’s actions, stating:
“It looks like a reinforcement of (China’s) baseless claim over Bajo de Masinloc following their submission of their alleged baselines.”

The Scarborough Shoal, a prime fishing area and a strategic flashpoint, is claimed by both nations. Manila insists on adhering to the 2016 arbitral ruling under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which invalidated China’s sweeping claims over most of the South China Sea—a decision Beijing does not recognize.

The Philippines and its Southeast Asian neighbors, through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), continue to negotiate a code of conduct with China for the South China Sea. However, disagreements persist over aligning it with UNCLOS principles.

The Scarborough Shoal incident adds another layer of complexity to these negotiations and underscores the need for mechanisms to manage disputes in the contested waters.

House to act on impeachment complaint against VP Sara Duterte

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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House to act on impeachment complaint against VP Sara Duterte

MANILA. The House of Representatives confirmed it will process the impeachment complaint filed against Vice President Sara Duterte, following its constitutional mandate, two lawmakers said on Tuesday.

Bataan 1st District Representative Geraldine Roman emphasized that the lower chamber is obligated to handle the complaint. “From a purely Constitutional point-of-view, bahagi ito ng mandato ng Kongreso. Kung mayroong nag-file ng impeachment complaint, we have no choice but to process the entire complaint,” she said during a media briefing.

Roman detailed the steps involved: “It has to go through the entire process — from the filing to the referral to the Justice Committee, to the deliberations, the voting, and if approved, the referral to the Senate.”

The impeachment complaint was filed on Monday afternoon by advocacy groups, including civil society organizations, religious leaders, sectoral representatives, and families of extrajudicial killing victims. Akbayan Party-list Representative Perci Cendaña endorsed the complaint, which was officially received by House Secretary General Reginald Velasco at 4:30 p.m.

House Deputy Majority Leader and Tingog Party-list Representative Jude Acidre echoed Roman’s remarks, stating, “We are bound by the mandate to act on an impeachment complaint filed with the House. The leadership has yet to provide guidance on the matter, but we are ready to fulfill our Constitutionally bound duty.”

Both lawmakers expressed concerns about the timeline. Roman pointed out potential delays due to the upcoming election year:
“If we start by January, tapos mag-break ng bandang February at mag-resume, dahil election year, bandang Mayo na, kailan pa? But we have no choice but to fulfill our mandate.”

She assured the public that the process would be transparent: “Rest assured na kung ano man ang processing, deliberations, they will be transparent… Papakinggan natin lahat ng panig. Due process will be followed.”

Malacañang distanced itself from the proceedings. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin clarified, “The impeachment complaint filed in the House of Representatives by several private citizens is the complainants’ independent initiative, and its endorsement the prerogative of any Member of the House of Representatives. The Office of the President has nothing to do with it.”

The impeachment complaint emerged after Vice President Duterte made controversial remarks, stating she would have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez killed if she were assassinated.

Duterte later clarified that her statement was taken out of context, but it drew significant backlash from government officials and legal experts.

This marks a pivotal moment in the political landscape, as the House prepares to address a high-profile impeachment case under the scrutiny of the public and the Constitution.

Yoon reverses martial law after backlash from South Korean lawmakers

Venus L Peñaflor
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Yoon reverses martial law after backlash from South Korean lawmakers

SEOUL. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rescinded his surprise martial law declaration mere hours after issuing it, following fierce opposition from lawmakers and public outcry. The sudden move, which marked the first imposition of martial law in the country since 1980, plunged South Korea into political turmoil and raised international concerns.

The dramatic reversal unfolded early Wednesday morning, with President Yoon backtracking on his decree and withdrawing troops deployed to enforce it. The move came after South Korea’s National Assembly overwhelmingly voted to overturn the measure, with 190 out of 300 lawmakers opposing it.

Outcry from Lawmakers and Calls for Resignation

The opposition Democratic Party swiftly condemned Yoon’s actions, demanding his immediate resignation and warning of impeachment proceedings. “We will not sit idly by and watch President Yoon’s crime of destroying the Constitution and trampling on democracy,” the party stated. Senior Democratic Party lawmaker Park Chan-dae added, “Even if martial law is lifted, he cannot avoid treason charges. It was revealed to the entire nation that President Yoon could no longer run the country normally. He should step down.”

The ruling People Power Party also expressed disapproval, with its leader Han Dong-hoon apologizing to the public and urging the dismissal of the defense minister who had recommended martial law. “The president must directly and thoroughly explain this tragic situation,” Han said. “The minister of defense should be immediately dismissed, and all those responsible must be held strictly accountable.”

Backdrop of the Crisis

President Yoon’s declaration of martial law on Tuesday night came as a shock to the nation. In a televised address, he accused the opposition of engaging in “clear anti-state behavior aimed at inciting rebellion” and claimed they had “paralyzed state affairs.” Yoon’s government sought to justify the decree as necessary to combat alleged threats posed by “pro-North anti-state forces” and to restore order.

However, the martial law decree, detailed by Yonhap News, outlined sweeping powers, including the suspension of parliamentary activities, media censorship, and arrests without warrants. It also banned strikes and public protests, escalating public fear and backlash.

Helmeted soldiers attempted to enter the National Assembly building late Tuesday night but were met with resistance from parliamentary aides who used fire extinguishers to block their advance. Protesters gathered outside the assembly cheered as the vote to overturn the martial law was announced. According to local media, cries of “Long live the Republic of Korea!” and “Yoon Suk-yeol, step down!” filled the air.

International Reaction and Market Response

The crisis drew international attention, with the United States expressing relief at Yoon’s reversal. “We are relieved President Yoon has reversed course on his concerning declaration of martial law and respected the National Assembly’s vote to end it,” a White House spokesperson said.

Danny Russel, vice president of the Asia Society Policy Institute, warned of the potential long-term implications. “South Korea as a nation dodged a bullet, but President Yoon may have shot himself in the foot,” he remarked.

Following Yoon’s announcement, South Korea’s won rebounded from a two-year low against the dollar, and exchange-traded funds linked to South Korean stocks reduced losses.

Political Future in Question

Yoon, who narrowly won the 2022 presidential election, has struggled with persistently low approval ratings, hovering around 20%. His People Power Party faced a landslide defeat in parliamentary elections earlier this year, losing control of the legislature to opposition parties.

The martial law episode has further damaged Yoon’s standing, with analysts speculating on the possibility of snap elections or intensified political gridlock. “Political uncertainty and domestic strife in South Korea is North Korea’s friend,” Russel warned, as regional stability remains a pressing concern.

With a history of over a dozen martial law declarations since its establishment as a republic in 1948, South Korea now faces a critical moment in its democratic evolution. As Yoon seeks to navigate the fallout, his ability to lead the nation remains in question.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rescinded his surprise martial law declaration mere hours after issuing it, following fierce opposition from lawmakers and public outcry.

Movie review: Angelina Jolie shines as Maria Callas in an operatic elegy of a biopic

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Movie review: Angelina Jolie shines as Maria Callas in an operatic elegy of a biopic

Angelina Jolie steps into the shoes of legendary soprano Maria Callas in Maria, directed by Pablo Larraín. This evocative biopic offers a poignant and theatrical glimpse into the final days of Callas’ life, blending raw emotion and dreamlike storytelling to create a work that feels more like an opera than a conventional historical film.

Set during a week in September 1977, the film paints a vivid portrait of Callas as she grapples with fading fame, personal anguish, and a tenuous grip on reality. Jolie, in one of her most captivating performances to date, masterfully conveys Callas’ fragility and ferocity, delivering a portrayal that is both graceful and intense.

The Diva’s Final Aria

From the opening moments, Maria sets the tone for an emotional journey. Jolie’s Callas, reclining in her Paris apartment, tells her butler Ferruccio (Pierfrancesco Favino, in an outstanding performance): “As of this morning, what is real and what is not real is my business.” This line, sharp and definitive, encapsulates the film’s ethos, where reality is secondary to emotional truth.

Through cinematographer Ed Lachman’s lens, the film shifts effortlessly between past and present, capturing Callas’ triumphs on stage, her tumultuous romance with Aristotle Onassis (Haluk Bilginer), and her struggles with diminishing vocal prowess. In the present, she moves through Paris in her iconic style, searching for the adoration that once defined her life, haunted by visions of staged performances and fading memories.

A Biopic as Opera

Unlike traditional biopics, Maria embraces the grandeur and drama befitting its subject. Larraín takes creative liberties, crafting a narrative that prioritizes emotional depth over strict adherence to fact. Jolie’s performance is a testament to this vision. While she doesn’t physically resemble Callas, her embodiment of the diva’s spirit is so immersive that the distinction becomes irrelevant.

In one particularly striking scene, Callas confronts a fan who accuses her of feigning illness to skip a performance. Her response—a fiery defense of the physical and emotional toll of her craft—is as much a reflection of Callas’ reality as it is Jolie’s. The blurred lines between actor and character heighten the film’s impact, leaving viewers with profound empathy for both women.

Larraín’s Unique Vision

Maria completes Larraín’s unofficial trilogy on iconic women, following Jackie and Spencer. Like its predecessors, Maria offers a deeply personal exploration of its subject, eschewing conventional narratives in favor of introspective and often divisive storytelling. This approach may not resonate with everyone, but it undeniably provides a rich canvas for its stars.

Jolie, who has been selective with her recent roles, delivers a performance that feels all-consuming. Her portrayal of Callas is layered, blending vulnerability with an unwavering resolve. It’s a reminder of her prowess as an actor and a testament to the transformative power of cinema.

Verdict

At its core, Maria is an operatic ode to one of history’s greatest divas. It’s a film brimming with flair, beauty, and sorrow, much like Callas herself. While not without its flaws—such as a slightly unnecessary encounter with John F. Kennedy—the film’s strengths far outweigh its missteps.Rating: ★★★ out of 4
Maria is now showing in select theaters and will stream on Netflix starting December 11. Rated R for “a sexual reference and some language,” the film runs for 122 minutes.

Mahinang pagsabog naitala sa bulkang Taal; publiko pinag-iingat

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Mahinang pagsabog naitala sa bulkang Taal; publiko pinag-iingat

BATANGAS CITY. Nakapagtala ng mahinang pagsabog sa Bulkang Taal ngayong Martes ng umaga, Disyembre 3, ayon sa Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

Sa ulat ng PHIVOLCS, bandang alas-5:58 ng umaga ay nagbuga ang bulkan ng 2800-metrong grayish plume. Sa kabila nito, nananatili sa Alert Level 1 ang bulkan, na nangangahulugang mayroon itong “mababang antas ng kaguluhan.”

Bukod sa pagsabog, nakapagtala rin ng dalawang pagyanig ng bulkan na tumagal ng apat na minuto. Nagbuga rin ito ng abo na may taas na 600 metro, na tinangay ng hangin sa direksyong timog-kanluran.

Noong Nobyembre 30, naiulat din na naglabas ang bulkan ng 7,216 tonelada ng sulfur dioxide flux, na nagdulot ng bahagyang pag-alboroto.

Babala sa Publiko

Nagbabala ang PHIVOLCS na maaaring mangyari ang mga sumusunod na panganib:

  • Steam-driven o phreatic explosions
  • Volcanic earthquakes
  • Minor ashfall
  • Lethal accumulations o expulsions ng volcanic gas

Pinayuhan ang mga residente sa paligid ng bulkan na manatiling mapagmatyag at iwasang pumasok sa Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) sa paligid ng Taal Volcano Island, lalo na sa mga lugar na malapit sa Main Crater at Daang Kastila fissures.

Ayon sa PHIVOLCS: “Ang aktibidad ng Bulkang Taal ay patuloy naming binabantayan, at hinihikayat ang publiko na sumunod sa mga abiso upang maiwasan ang anumang sakuna.”

Patuloy na nagpapaalala ang mga eksperto sa kahalagahan ng pakikiisa sa mga alituntunin upang mapanatili ang kaligtasan ng bawat isa.

Iraqi fighters reinforce Assad’s forces in Syria; Hezbollah holds back amid regional tensions

Venus L Peñaflor
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Iraqi fighters reinforce Assad’s forces in Syria; Hezbollah holds back amid regional tensions

AMMAN/BEIRUT. Hundreds of Iran-backed Iraqi fighters crossed into Syria this week to support the government’s battle against rebels who captured Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, but Lebanon’s Hezbollah has chosen to remain on the sidelines for now, sources revealed.

According to Iraqi security sources, more than 300 fighters from the Badr and Nujabaa groups entered Syria late Sunday, utilizing an unmarked dirt road to bypass official checkpoints. “These are fresh reinforcements being sent to aid our comrades on the front lines in the north,” a senior Syrian military source confirmed, adding that the fighters are primarily tasked with defending Shi’ite shrines in the region.

Iran has expressed its full support for Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad. Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian stated that Tehran “will provide any support needed” to counter rebel advances, emphasizing the role of “resistance groups” in aiding Assad’s government.

Despite its long-standing role as a key ally in Syria, Hezbollah has refrained from deploying additional fighters. Sources close to the group cited the exhaustion of its forces following the recent conflict with Israel, which culminated in a ceasefire last week.

“We are closely monitoring the aggression of criminal groups on the Syrian people,” a spokesperson for the Iran-aligned Iraqi armed group Kataib Hezbollah said, though they added no decision had been made to send fighters.

Hezbollah reportedly withdrew senior officers responsible for Aleppo operations and redirected them to the Israeli front during last month’s conflict. Mid-October also saw a broader pullback of its forces from Syria as tensions escalated in Lebanon.

The capture of Aleppo marks the most significant victory for anti-Assad rebels in years. Hadi al-Bahra, leader of Syria’s main opposition group, attributed the rapid takeover to Hezbollah’s absence and the distraction of other Iran-backed groups by the Gaza conflict.

“Preparations for this offensive had been in place since last year, but were delayed due to the war in Gaza,” al-Bahra told Reuters.

The offensive has further destabilized Syria’s northwest, home to displaced Syrians and a hotbed of competing interests among global powers. Rebel forces in the region include Turkey-backed groups and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a former al-Qaeda affiliate.

The rebel advance could complicate ongoing efforts by Arab countries and the United States to loosen Assad’s reliance on Tehran. Talks of lifting sanctions in exchange for Assad reducing Iranian ties may falter if Iran’s military support becomes even more indispensable.

Syria and Russian forces have responded with airstrikes on rebel-held areas. The White Helmets, a civilian rescue group, reported deadly strikes on residential areas and displacement camps, with at least seven killed, including five children, in Idlib province.

Rebel shelling of Hama city claimed three lives, while the government reported killing hundreds of rebels—figures Reuters could not independently verify.

As the situation escalates, regional players are closely watching. Turkey has denied involvement in the rebel offensive, though it reportedly supports Syrian opposition forces advancing in northern regions. Israel, meanwhile, reiterated its commitment to preventing Iranian arms transfers to Hezbollah through Syria.

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