Syria’s military has withdrawn from Hama, a strategically important city, following its recent loss of Aleppo to rebel forces. This development represents a significant gain for the rebel coalition, led by Hayat Tahrir Al Sham, which aims to further extend its reach toward Homs. The conflict reignites historical grievances tied to past violent suppressions in Hama during the Assad regime.
Syria’s military has announced its withdrawal from Hama, a city of significant strategic and symbolic importance, resulting in a substantial advance for a newly unified coalition of rebel groups. This withdrawal follows the recent capture of Aleppo by these groups, marking a pivotal development in the ongoing civil conflict. A statement from the Syrian military indicated that intense confrontations with rebel forces led to their infiltration of the city, highlighting the increasing effectiveness of these groups against the Assad regime.
Aleppo, which recently fell under rebel control after an unexpected offensive, represents another significant major gain for the opposition. This development poses a major setback for President Bashar al-Assad and his allies, including Iran and Russia, reigniting a conflict that had seen reduced intensity in recent years. With Hama’s strategic relevance, linking Damascus to Aleppo, its capture marks a considerable shift in the balance of power in the region.
Abu Mohammad Al Jolani, the leader of Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS), claimed the mission to seize Hama was to “cleanse a 40-year-old wound,” referencing the city’s historical significance as the site of a brutal military crackdown in 1982 under Hafez al-Assad, the current president’s father. That event resulted in a substantial loss of life, marking Hama as a symbol of historical oppression.
The rebel coalition has set its sights on further advancing toward Homs, a major city approximately 165 kilometers from the capital. Hassan Abdulghani, a spokesperson for the rebels, urged the citizens of Homs to rise against oppression, signaling a determination to expand their control.
The Syrian civil war, which began amid the protests of the 2011 Arab Spring against President Assad, has evolved into a complex and entrenched conflict. Hama was one of the early locations of dissent against Assad’s regime during this uprising. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing developments expected.
The civil war in Syria commenced in 2011, stemming from the government’s crackdown on peaceful protests during the Arab Spring. It evolved rapidly into a full-scale armed rebellion against President Bashar al-Assad, who has held power since 2000. Over the years, various rebel groups have emerged, with shifting alliances and conflicts against both governmental forces and other factions. Cities like Hama and Aleppo have served as critical battlegrounds symbolic of broader themes of resistance and oppression within the civil conflict.
In summary, the withdrawal of Syrian forces from Hama symbolizes a significant shift in the dynamics of the civil war, following the recent capture of Aleppo by rebel factions. The historical weight of Hama, coupled with the renewed vigor of the rebel coalition under HTS, foreshadows a potentially transformative phase in the conflict, as rebels aim for further gains in Syria. The civil war, ignited over a decade ago, continues to shape the country’s national trajectory amid ongoing humanitarian crises and geopolitical interests.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
