In a dramatic turn of events, rebel forces say they have started encircling Syria’s capital, Damascus, in a lightning advance that has propelled them closer to President Bashar al-Assad’s stronghold. The offensive, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies, has seen government troops retreat from key areas near the capital. Rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani said on Saturday that forces are in the final stage of the bombardment and laying siege upon Damascus. Nonetheless, the government of Syria issued immediate denials, saying the opposition is no longer in a position to dictate control within and around Damascus.
Success in Southern Syria and at the Golan Heights Area
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said rebels made key gains in southern Syria, taking all of Daraa province and forcing the government to evacuate positions in Quneitra, near the Golan Heights. The Observatory also said that Syrian forces retreated from towns within 10 kilometers of Damascus, making their hold near the capital more tenable. As rebel forces close in, Abdel Ghani also reported that the security branch in Saasaa in the countryside of Damascus was captured; this indicated their advance.
Airstrikes and Casualties on Civilians in Homs
Government airstrikes, backed by Russian air power, have hit the civilian areas of Homs and its surroundings, killing at least seven civilians. The raids were intended to stall the gains of the rebels, but in reality, the offensive steam continued to roll as the HTS and its collaborators advanced.
The situation remains dynamic as both sides continue to exchange heavy blows in military confrontations.
Sectarian Reassurance Amid Rebel Advances
With fears of sectarianism, however, Abdel Ghani sought to appease the residents who find themselves now under rebel hands, promising no sectarianism and ethnic persecution. It is also unlike the earlier days of war with HTS’s Al-Nusra Front, that bombarded Assad’s Alawite sect. Abdel Ghani was attempting to dispel the fear, claiming the dawn of a sectarian-conflict-free era.
Strategic Withdrawals and Loss of Daraa
The Syrian army has been making strategic withdrawals, the most prominent of which is the loss of Daraa. Rebels and the Syrian government confirmed that Daraa province had completely fallen to armed groups. The city of Daraa, which ignited the 2011 uprising against Assad, has become a symbol of rebellion in the war. The Syrian forces have also started to retreat from other parts of the country, such as Deir Ezzor in the east, where the Kurdish forces have captured control.
International Reaction and Escalating Fears
Israel has increased its military deployment along the Golan Heights due to the swift advance of the rebels, and Jordan has asked its citizens to leave Syria. The United States and Russia, both with troops in Syria, have also encouraged their citizens to leave the country. The United Nations has noted that more than 370,000 people have been displaced following the latest fighting. Casualties are mounting, too, with at least 826 people killed since the start of the offensive.
HTS Leader’s Statement and Wider Political Consequences
HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani has declared that the group’s objective remains overthrowing President Assad’s regime. While HTS, with ties to Al-Qaeda, has tried to moderate its image, its core mission of regime change remains unchanged. The group’s advances are also reshaping the political landscape in Syria, with Kurdish-led forces in the east expressing willingness to engage in dialogue with rival factions and Turkey.
The latest news from Syria indicates that the conflict is becoming more intense, with the rebels gaining significant territorial advantages and the Syrian government losing control over large parts of the country. The future of Damascus and the Assad regime is uncertain as the situation unfolds. With mounting civilian casualties, mass displacement, and increased international involvement, the war seems to have no end in sight. The path to peace and stability seems as distant as ever.
