Insurgent forces have surged forward in Syria, nearing the capital Damascus and seizing key strategic areas, including the central city of Homs, in a campaign that has shaken the rule of President Bashar Assad. Rumors of Assad fleeing the country have been denied by state media.
The fall of Homs represents a major setback for Assad's government. The city serves as a critical juncture linking Damascus to the coastal strongholds of Latakia and Tartus, home to Assad's support base and a significant Russian naval facility. Pro-government media reported the army retreating to positions outside the city, but rebel forces claimed full control by Saturday.
The capture of Homs follows a swift offensive launched on November 27, during which opposition fighters also took Aleppo and Hama. Analysts believe the city’s fall could mark a turning point in the conflict. The insurgents, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a faction with roots in al-Qaida, have advanced largely unchallenged by government forces.
Rebel forces have also reached the suburbs of Damascus for the first time since 2018. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported insurgents advancing in Maadamiyah, Jaramana, and Daraya, with plans to encircle the capital. The campaign comes as the army has withdrawn from southern provinces, leaving only three of Syria's 14 provincial capitals under government control.
Civilian Panic and Diplomatic Efforts
In Damascus, residents are stockpiling essentials, while thousands are fleeing toward Lebanon. Many shops in the capital have shut down, and the few remaining open have inflated prices for basic goods.
The United Nations has begun relocating non-essential staff from Syria as a precaution. Meanwhile, the U.N. special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has called for urgent talks in Geneva to facilitate a political transition. At the Doha Forum, global diplomats echoed the need for an immediate resolution to avoid further escalation.
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Assad’s Allies Preoccupied
Assad's usual allies, including Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, have offered minimal assistance. Russia remains embroiled in its conflict in Ukraine, while Hezbollah is strained by a prolonged confrontation with Israel. Iran’s regional influence has been weakened by repeated Israeli airstrikes.
The Biden administration reiterated its stance of non-intervention in Syria. Similarly, President-elect Donald Trump has discouraged U.S. military engagement in the region.
Insurgency Gains Momentum
The HTS-led offensive has seen rapid gains in northern and southern Syria. On Friday, rebels entered the ancient city of Palmyra, previously reclaimed from ISIS. Activists reported government forces retreating from much of Quneitra and Daraa provinces, with the military regrouping to establish defensive lines around Damascus.
HTS, which has distanced itself from its al-Qaida origins, has taken control of large parts of northwest Syria. The group has sought to present a more moderate image, with leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani advocating for pluralism and religious tolerance.
Calls for a Political Solution
Foreign ministers from countries including Iran, Russia, and Turkey met in Doha to discuss the crisis. While urging an end to hostilities, they emphasized the need for a political resolution to ensure Syria’s stability. Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed criticized Assad for failing to address the country’s grievances during previous ceasefires.
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Sheikh Mohammed warned that without swift diplomatic action, Syria’s territorial integrity and remaining infrastructure could face further devastation.
The situation remains dire, with the international community scrambling to mediate a peaceful solution as insurgents continue their march toward Damascus.
Source: With inputs from agencies