Rebels in Syria achieved significant gains on Saturday, reaching the outskirts of Damascus and capturing the strategically vital city of Homs. Government forces retreated from Homs, a critical link between the capital and President Assad's coastal strongholds, dealing a substantial blow to the regime. The government denied rumors of Assad's flight, but the fall of Homs, coupled with earlier rebel seizures of Aleppo and Hama, marks a dramatic shift in the conflict.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed the withdrawal of government forces and the rebel entry into Homs. This swift offensive, launched on November 27th, has significantly altered the balance of power, with the government now holding only three of fourteen provincial capitals. The rebel advance, spearheaded by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, has encountered minimal resistance, raising concerns about the future of Assad's rule.
The U.N. Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, urged immediate talks in Geneva to facilitate a peaceful political transition, highlighting the rapidly evolving situation. Meanwhile, residents of Damascus rushed to gather supplies, and many attempted to flee to Lebanon amidst fears of escalating conflict. Shops closed, and prices of essential goods soared as anxiety gripped the capital.
Opposition fighters remove a Syrian government flag from a building in Salamiyah, east of Hama, on December 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Ghaith Alsayed)
While Assad's status remains uncertain, his allies have offered limited support. Russia is preoccupied with the war in Ukraine, and other allies have been weakened by regional conflicts. President-elect Trump has advocated against U.S. military intervention in Syria, a stance echoed by the Biden administration.
Pedersen emphasized the need for talks based on the 2015 U.N. resolution advocating a Syrian-led political process. A meeting of foreign ministers from key nations, including Russia, Turkey, and Iran, convened in Doha to discuss the crisis, emphasizing a political solution and increased aid to the Syrian people.
The rebels' advance continued towards Damascus suburbs, with reports of their presence near Maadamiyah, Jaramana, and Daraya. HTS, a dominant force in northwest Syria, has attempted to rebrand itself in recent years, distancing itself from al-Qaida and promoting a more moderate image. The insurgents also reportedly entered Palmyra, a site of significant archaeological importance.
In southern Syria, government troops withdrew from areas in Quneitra province, including Baath City, while claiming to establish a defensive line to protect Damascus. The rapid rebel gains have prompted international concern and calls for a swift resolution to the escalating conflict.
