Syrian government forces have initiated a strong counterattack against rebel groups near Hama, a key city in central Syria, following significant setbacks further north, according to a war monitoring group.
Hama holds strategic importance for the Syrian army as it serves as a vital buffer for the capital, Damascus. The latest clashes come after rebel forces, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), advanced to the outskirts of the city earlier this week. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported intense battles between government troops and HTS fighters in the northern Hama region, supported by Syrian and Russian airstrikes.
The offensive has sparked heavy fighting and displacement, with the Syrian army regaining control of the northeastern outskirts of Hama and surrounding villages by Wednesday afternoon. President Bashar al-Assad responded to the escalating conflict by ordering a 50% pay raise for career soldiers, signaling an effort to bolster morale and strengthen his forces.
Meanwhile, HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani was seen visiting the historic citadel in Aleppo, where he greeted supporters. Photos shared on social media showed him standing atop an open vehicle, underscoring the rebel group’s growing confidence amid recent gains.
The conflict has also claimed civilian and professional lives. Syrian photographer Anas Alkharboutli, who had earned international acclaim for his work, was reportedly killed in an airstrike near Hama, according to German news agency DPA.
As government forces push back, the battle for Hama underscores its critical role in Syria’s broader struggle for stability and territorial control.
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