HTS launched a rapid assault on Homs, leading to mass civilian displacement, amidst concerns of Islamist rule. As the Syrian civil war persistently evolves, external support for Assad wanes while HTS seeks to rebuild Syria and return refugees. Meanwhile, Daesh’s resurgence compounds the challenges for the Assad regime.
In a significant escalation of the Syrian conflict, thousands have fled the central city of Homs as militant forces led by Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) launch a rapid offensive against the Syrian government. This recent offensive, initiated on November 27, has led to the capture of major cities and aims to further penetrate Homs, a strategic location connecting Damascus to the coastal strongholds of President Bashar Assad. Abu Mohammed Al-Golani, the leader of HTS, stated that the group’s objective is to rebuild Syria and facilitate the return of displaced refugees from Lebanon and Europe.
The escalating situation marks a pivotal moment in the Syrian civil war, with HTS taking advantage of a perceived absence of support for Assad from his key allies, including Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, all of whom are currently preoccupied with other military challenges. Hezbollah has reportedly sent forces to Homs to prevent further advances by anti-government militants, while reports indicate that Iranian-backed units have also positioned themselves in the city. Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has reported continued civilian displacement toward government-controlled coastal areas in response to the growing threat.
Additionally, the re-emergence of Daesh in eastern Syria poses another challenge to Assad’s regime, as Kurdish forces report increased movement of the radical group. The recent bombardment of logistical routes, including the destruction of the Rustan bridge on the M5 highway by Russian airstrikes, highlights the ongoing military efforts to stabilize the region. Amidst these challenges, Golani emphasized the flexible nature of HTS, indicating that it may dissolve if necessary to fulfill its primary goal of challenging the Assad regime, focusing on the return of Syrian refugees displaced during the devastating conflict.
Since the onset of the Syrian civil war 13 years ago, control over territorial regions has shifted numerous times. The recent offensive by HTS marks a significant development, as it represents the first major military progress against Assad’s regime in years. Significant external influences, primarily from Russia and Iranian forces, have historically swung the balance in favor of the regime, yet recent distractions from those commitments have allowed insurgents to regain momentum. The complex interplay of regional politics, military strategy, and humanitarian crises continues to shape the narrative in Syria.
The ongoing conflict in Syria has reached a critical juncture, with HTS making remarkable advancements and threatening the strategic city of Homs. The situation has prompted mass displacement of civilians towards safer coastal territories, underscoring the humanitarian ramifications of the conflict. With the return of Daesh in certain regions and Hezbollah’s involvement to fortify Assad’s positions, the landscape of the Syrian civil war remains highly volatile. The statements made by HTS leaders about dissolving their organization signify a willingness to adapt for the purpose of combating the Assad regime and potentially facilitating the repatriation of Syrian refugees.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
