Syrian Rebels Advance on Damascus as Government Forces Retreat
Syrian rebels are closing in on the capital, Damascus, after seizing control of the strategically vital city of Homs, triggering fears of a rapid collapse of government rule. While government officials denied that President Bashar al-Assad has fled, the rebels’ advance has prompted international concerns over the potential for widespread bloodshed and a further humanitarian disaster.
The insurgent Islamist militia Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) announced its imminent entry into Damascus on Sunday, stating in a statement, “We celebrate with the Syrian people the news of the liberation of our prisoners, the loosening of their chains and the end of the era of injustice in Sednaya prison.” Sednaya prison is infamous for its brutal conditions and has long been a symbol of government oppression.
Residents of Damascus reported hearing gunshots throughout the city as rebel groups from both the south and north converged on the capital, effectively encircling it.
The brutal siege of the capital marks the culmination of the renewed fighting that erupted on November 27th, with the HTS offensive leading to a series of rebel victories, mainly achieved without major battles.
Fall of Syrian Government ‘Only a Matter of Time’
HTS Rebel Soldiers Celebrated Anarchic Victory in Homs.
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The head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), Rami Abdel-Rahman, believes the fall of the Syrian regime is imminent. SOHR is based in Great Britain and relies on a network of informants within Syria; however, confirming the information is difficult. The chaotic situation has spurred a large-scale evacuation, with Syrian soldiers reportedly fleeing the country en masse. Iraqi authorities have welcomed over 2,000 Syrian soldiers, according to state media reports.
The Syrian government has attempted to quell the apprehension surrounding the impending doom. Syrian state television portrays a “very strong security ring around Damascus” that is insurmountable, citing statements from Interior minister Mohammed Al-Rahmoun and the Defense Ministry, who maintain that Damascus remains stable and secured.
The rebel contestant has caused the Syrian Hezbollah, a powerful Lebanese militia allied with the Syrian government, to withdraw its forces. Fighter units were reported heading to strongholds in Latakia, Syria. There are also reports of Hezbollah reinforcements journeying to Hezbollah strongholds in the Hermel region of Lebanon.
HTS fighters have embarked on their own exodus. Homs, the third largest city in Syria, fell to rebel forces on Saturday, abruptly transitioning post the three-year dominion of the Saddama loyalist army. Homs is intricately linked to both Damascus and the government strongholds along the Mediterranean coast in Latakia and Tartus. It plays a crucial role in connecting the capital to the coastal regions.
Standing firmly by Assad are Russia and Iran, who are Syria’s most powerful foreign allies.
The capture of Homs threatens to create a path leading straight to Damascus, located approximately 160 kilometers north. Many families have fled Damascus, choosing refuge in Lebanon.
Rebels Promise a Responsible Takeover, Rejecting Chemical Weapons
The takeover is unlikely to be peaceful, as evidenced by the rising alarms from residents informed of the situation. The timing of the imminent arrival of a formidable rebel force>
Knowing full well those fears resonate, HTS has publicly declared that they will not employ chemical weapons against civilians if they seize power.
What are the international community’s plans for addressing a potential humanitarian crisis in Syria if the Assad regime collapses?
## Interview: Syrian Rebels Closing in on Damascus
**Interviewer:** Joining us today is Rami Abdel-Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Rami, thank you for being here.
**Rami Abdel-Rahman:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** Our viewers are seeing dramatic developments in Syria. Rebel forces, particularly Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), seem to be on the verge of capturing Damascus. What’s the latest situation on the ground?
**Rami Abdel-Rahman:** The situation is extremely volatile. HTS has made significant advancements, capturing the strategic city of Homs and effectively encircling Damascus. We are receiving reports of heavy gunfire within the capital as rebel groups converge from multiple directions. [1]
**Interviewer:** The Syrian government denies that President Assad has fled, but there are reports of widespread evacuations, including Syrian soldiers fleeing the country. Can you confirm these reports?
**Rami Abdel-Rahman:** While it’s difficult to fully confirm information from inside Syria, our informants indicate a mass exodus of soldiers. Iraqi authorities have even reported welcoming over 2,000 Syrian soldiers seeking refuge. This, along with the rapid advance of the rebels, suggests that the regime may be on the brink of collapse. [1]
**Interviewer:** What are the implications of this potential regime collapse? We’ve already seen a devastating humanitarian crisis in Syria.
**Rami Abdel-Rahman:** The potential fall of the Syrian government is a terrifying prospect. We could see a further escalation of violence, a massive exodus of refugees, and a power vacuum that could give rise to even more extremist groups. The international community must prepare for a humanitarian disaster on an unprecedented scale.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Rami. It sounds like a truly dire situation.
**Rami Abdel-Rahman:** Thank you for having me. I urge the world to pay attention and act to prevent further suffering.