Syrian Rebels Capture Key Southern Cities, Close in on Damascus
Fighting has intensifying in Syria, as opposition rebels capture key cities in the south, bringing them closer to the capital. The stunning advance comes as Syrian president Bashar Assad undergoes a steep loss of international support.
For the first time since 2018, opposition fighters have reached the suburbs of Damascus, previously held by Syrian government forces. The momentous gain followed a withdrawal of Syrian troops from much of southern Syria, leaving control of numerous provinces and cities in the hands of the opposition.
The sudden turn of events leaves Assad with a dwindling number of allies. He’s largely on his own:, as Russia, his longtime backer is preoccupied with the war in Ukraine. The Lebanese Shiite militant group Hezbollah, which sent thousands of fighters to bolster Assad’s forces, has also been weakened due to a protracted conflict with Israel.
Iran, Assad’s other key ally, has seen its proxy forces across the region weakened by consistent Israeli airstrikes.
Amid the tumult, Syrian state media has denied humors circulating online suggesting Assad has fled the country. Damascus remains under government control, though the insurgents continue to advance, threatening to cut off crucial supply routes to the capital.
Libya’s opposition forces are surrounding the capital. On the ground, a commander with the insurgents, has declared that the final stage of their offensive is underway.
Syrian forces are redeploying troops to protect Homs, Syria’s third largest city, facing imminent attacks, as insurgents approach its outskirts.
The lead in the offensive belongs to the jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), also known as the Levant Liberation Committee. HTS originated from al-
Qaida and perpetrates several attacks against Assad’s forces known as terrorist organizations by the U.K
HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani told CNN this week that the group aimed to overthrow Assad’s government. The capture of Homs, which sits on a strategic highway linking Damascus with Aleppo, would cut off Assad’s lifeline to the Israel
The Syrian military leaders announced that it carried out redeployments and repositioned
forces in the provinces of Sweida and Daraa after attacks on its checkpoints by insurgents.
A statement by the Syrian army stated that they are setting up a defensive belt around Damascus to protect the capital
Amid these developments, Syrian diplomat visited Qatar this weekend. Mahmoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani,
secured by Russia’s military said the country. “Assad did not seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people,” he criticized
Sheikh Mohammed expressed surprise at rebels’ expedited advance and the potential
damage to “Syrian territorial integrity.” He fears further destruction
without a political process.
While government forces retain control over five provincial capitals- Damascus, Homs, Quneitra, Latakia, and Tartus, the Syrian government
Syrian rebels seize two more provincial capitals
– all. The capture of wide swaths of Deir el-Zour diminishes Iran’s influence, given
that the province
serves as a gateway linking
to Iran.
Iran-backed
Hezbollah.
How has the international support for Assad changed recently and how does this impact the current situation?
## Syrian Rebels Advance: A Turning Point in the Conflict?
**Host:** Joining us today to discuss the latest developments in Syria is Dr. Sarah Al-Amin, a Middle East expert and Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council. Dr. Al-Amin, welcome to the show.
**Dr. Al-Amin:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Let’s dive right into the news. Syrian rebels have reportedly captured key southern cities and are now encroaching on the outskirts of Damascus. How significant is this development?
**Dr. Al-Amin:** This is a major turning point in the Syrian conflict. Rebel forces haven’t been this close to Damascus since 2018, and this recent advance signifies a weakening of Bashar Assad’s grip on power. The capture of southern provinces, coupled with their advance towards the capital, demonstrates a decisive shift in the momentum of the war. [[1](https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/syria-bashar-al-assad-syria-war-as-rebels-advance-bashar-al-assad-loses-another-key-syrian-city-10-facts-7192239)]
**Host:** You mentioned a weakening of Assad’s hold. What factors have contributed to this?
**Dr. Al-Amin:** Several factors are at play here. Firstly, Assad has lost significant international support, with Russia preoccupied with the war in Ukraine and Hezbollah facing challenges in its conflict with Israel. Iran, another key ally, is also grappling with its own regional setbacks due to Israeli airstrikes. This confluence of circumstances has left Assad isolated and vulnerable.
**Host:** There have been rumors circulating online that Assad has fled the country. Syrian state media has denied these claims, but how credible is this denial?
**Dr. Al-Amin:** It’s difficult to ascertain the truthfulness of such claims. However, it’s important to note that the Syrian government has a history of disseminating misinformation. Regardless, the fact that these rumors are spreading highlights the level of uncertainty and instability surrounding Assad’s regime.
**Host:** What can we expect to see in the coming days and weeks?
**Dr. Al-Amin:** The situation remains highly volatile. The rebels have declared the final stage of their offensive is underway, and they are determined to capture Damascus. The coming weeks will be crucial.
The outcome of this conflict will have far-reaching consequences for Syria and the wider region.
