Anti-regime groups make advances in Homs province, key to Syria's security

An anti-regime fighter mans a gun on a pick-up December 2, 2024. (AFP Photo)

Anti-regime armed groups, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have made significant advances in Homs province, which is strategically important due to its proximity to the Syrian capital, Damascus.

These groups, engaged in clashes with regime forces since Nov. 27, have now begun entering the western neighborhoods of Homs city. The groups, having seized the towns of Rastan and Talbiseh, are pushing further into the Waer neighborhood, located on the city's western edge.

Why it matters?

The developments in Homs signal a potential shift in the ongoing Syrian civil war. The capture of key areas in central Syria could weaken the Assad regime's control over vital territories. This advance follows a series of victories for anti-regime forces in the northern and central parts of the country, suggesting that the opposition's momentum could be building.

Key points

Ongoing clashes
The conflict between regime forces and anti-regime groups continues to intensify. Following clashes in Aleppo’s western countryside on Nov. 27, anti-regime groups have progressively gained ground in northern Syria, including taking control of much of Aleppo and Idlib by Nov. 30.

The Syrian National Army (SNA) continues its advance in the Tel Rifat district as part of Operation Dawn of Freedom, launched to prevent the PKK/YPG (PKK listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the U.S. and the EU and YPG which Turkiye consider as the extension of PKK in Syria) terror corridor between Tel Rifat and Manbij, in Syria on December 01, 2024. (AA Photo)TEL RIFAT, SYRIA - DECEMBER 01: The Syrian National Army (SNA) continues its advance in the Tel Rifat district as part of Operation Dawn of Freedom, launched to prevent the PKK/YPG (PKK listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the U.S. and the EU and YPG which Turkiye consider as the extension of PKK in Syria) terror corridor between Tel Rifat and Manbij, in Syria on December 01, 2024. ( Abdulfettah Hüseyin - Anadolu Agency )

Control of Hama and Tel Rifaat:
After heavy fighting, anti-regime forces seized Hama city from regime control on Dec. 5. Meanwhile, the Syrian National Army launched an operation on December 1, liberating Tel Rifaat from PKK/YPG militants in the Aleppo countryside.
Strategic implications:
The recent territorial losses in Homs and other key cities could seriously challenge the Assad regime’s stability. As opposition forces advance in the region, the Assad government's hold on crucial areas, including the capital, is at risk.

These developments in Homs mark an important juncture in the Syrian conflict. As anti-regime forces expand their influence, the future course of the war may become clearer. The continued pressure on the Assad regime, coupled with shifting control in major regions, makes this a critical moment in the decade-long conflict. Stay tuned for further updates.

https://twitter.com/turkiyetodaycom/status/1864967617066221941

Syrian anti-regime groups continue to strengthen their positions as they deploy to the Homs front. These opposition forces are advancing with the flag of the Syrian Revolution, symbolizing their ongoing struggle against the Assad regime. As clashes intensify in the region, their presence is growing stronger, with the aim of challenging the regime's control over key territories in central Syria.

https://twitter.com/turkiyetodaycom/status/1864994675330777222

Reports on social media began to circulate about the withdrawal of regime forces from the city. However, the ministry denies the monitor's report that Syrian troops withdrew from Homs.

Details to follow

The situation is evolving rapidly, with updates expected as the conflict continues. Further details on the progression of military engagements, territorial shifts, and international reactions will be provided as more information becomes available.

Further details...

December 06, 2024 04:31 PM GMT+03:00