Rebel forces in Syria, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) alliance, are intensifying their campaign to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad, with their forces advancing rapidly through key cities. The rebels are now at the gates of Homs, a strategically significant city, following the capture of Aleppo and Hama in less than two weeks. The ongoing offensive, which started on November 27, aims to destabilize Assad’s rule, with HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani emphasizing the ultimate goal of regime change.
If Homs falls, it would sever the link between Assad’s power base in Damascus and the coastal region, a vital stronghold of the Assad family. The rebels are reportedly just five kilometers from Homs, and their momentum continues to grow. This progress is spurring mass displacement, with tens of thousands of Assad’s Alawite supporters fleeing to the coastal province of Tartus.
The capture of Hama marked a significant blow to the Syrian government, with rebels celebrating their victory, while some local residents welcomed the change. The UN has reported that at least 826 people have died and 280,000 displaced since the offensive began. As the situation escalates, fears mount that the rebel success could change the balance of power in the region, potentially ending Assad’s control over Syria as a cohesive state.
Despite the setbacks, Assad’s government insists the losses are temporary and vows to reclaim the territories.
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