Lagatar24 Desk
Damascus: In a dramatic escalation of the Syrian civil war, opposition forces led by the insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have taken control of key cities and surrounded the capital, Damascus. On Sunday, President Bashar al-Assad reportedly fled to an undisclosed location, as confirmed by military officers to Reuters.
Rebels Advance Towards Damascus
In the past ten days, HTS and its allies, including the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army, have launched a surprise offensive, capturing Daraa, Quneitra, Suwayda, and Homs. These victories have left Assad’s 24-year rule on the brink of collapse.
HTS spokesman Lt. Col. Hassan Abdul Ghani affirmed their intent to overthrow the Assad regime, stating, “Our eyes are on the capital, Damascus.”
Who Are the Rebels?
HTS, once affiliated with al-Qaeda, has emerged as the most powerful insurgent group in Syria. Although the group claims to have severed ties with al-Qaeda, it remains classified as a terrorist organization by the United States and the United Nations.
The HTS operates alongside the Syrian National Army, an umbrella group of Turkish-backed militias. While currently allied, their objectives may diverge, with the latter aiming to establish a buffer zone near Turkey’s border to counter Kurdish militants.
Turkish Support and Regional Implications
Turkey, a historical supporter of anti-Assad forces, has publicly distanced itself from the current offensive. However, its backing of rebel groups highlights its ongoing interest in shaping Syria’s future, particularly in areas near its borders.
Strategic Losses for Assad
The rebel capture of Homs, Syria’s third-largest city, cuts a critical link between Damascus and the coastal regions, Latakia and Tartus. These regions, along with Damascus, are now the only provincial capitals under Assad’s control.
“The fall of Homs is a political and social red line. If this connection is severed, Syria as we knew it will cease to exist,” said Damascus resident Anas Joudeh, as reported by AP.
What Lies Ahead for Syria?
With rebels encircling Damascus, HTS spokesman Abdul Ghani described the situation as the “final stage” of their offensive. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), backed by the United States, control much of eastern Syria, further fragmenting Assad’s authority.
As Assad’s regime teeters on the edge, the future of Syria hangs in uncertainty, with questions of territorial integrity, international involvement, and governance dominating the discourse.
