Syrian Insurgents Close In on Homs and Advance Towards Damascus
Syrian insurgents led by the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have made a lightning-fast advance, capturing towns north of Homs and moving swiftly towards the capital, Damascus. The insurgents seized control of Hama on Thursday and continued south, taking key towns on the road leading to Al-Dar al-Kabera, just five miles away from the center of Homs. In a rare show of alarm, the Russian embassy in Damascus urged Russian nationals to leave Syria, a key ally of President Bashar al-Assad.
Turkish President Offers Support to Insurgency
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed his backing for the rebel advance on Damascus, stating that he hopes the march through Syria will continue smoothly. The foreign ministers of Turkey, Iran, and Russia are set to meet for an urgent discussion on Syria amidst the escalating conflict in the region.
Erdoğan’s message of support signals a shift in regional alliances, as the insurgents edge closer to major Syrian cities, including Homs and Damascus. The Turkish president’s vocal backing adds a layer of complexity to the conflict, highlighting the geopolitical implications of the insurgency’s advance.
Forces Loyal to Damascus in Retreat Across Syria
As forces loyal to Damascus appear to be retreating across the country, insurgent groups are gaining ground, seizing control of key cities and territories. The capture of Homs and the swift advance towards Damascus mark a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict, with the insurgents making unprecedented gains in a short period.
The battle for Homs is expected to be pivotal in the insurgents’ efforts to sweep south towards the capital, setting the stage for further clashes and potential interventions from regional and international actors. The insurgency’s aim to overthrow the Assad regime in Damascus remains a central objective, driving their relentless push towards the heart of Syria’s power center.
In the midst of the escalating violence and shifting alliances, the fate of Syria hangs in the balance, with the conflict showing no signs of abating. As the insurgents press forward, the world watches with bated breath, awaiting the outcome of a conflict that has far-reaching implications for the region and beyond.
