The White House attributed the recent seizure of Aleppo by jihadists and allied rebel groups to President Bashar al-Assad’s regime’s reliance on Russia and Iran. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stated that Assad’s consistent refusal to engage in the proposed political process, as per UN Security Council Resolution 2254, has contributed to the current situation, including the collapse of Assad’s lines in northern Syria. The U.S. emphasized its non-involvement in the jihadist offensive.