Syrian rebels advanced southward toward the major city of Homs on Friday, capturing several towns along their route, according to both rebel sources and a war monitor. This rapid advance has reportedly taken the Syrian government by surprise, prompting military forces to implement defensive measures.
The military established earthen berms and conducted airstrikes on a key highway as rebels moved south from Hama, a city they had seized the previous day amid a government retreat. This sudden offensive, initiated last week by a coalition led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, marks a significant shift in the dynamics of Syria’s prolonged civil war, which has persisted for 13 years.
In response to the rebel gains, forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad are reportedly being reassigned from other regions to bolster critical strongholds, including Damascus and Homs. The loss of Homs would represent a substantial setback for Assad and his allies.
The rebels’ progress coincides with a period of vulnerability for Assad's primary backers, including Iran and Hezbollah, as well as Russia. Analysts suggest that the limited Russian missile strikes aimed at countering the rebel advance reflect a constrained ability to support Assad due to ongoing commitments in Ukraine.
Homs is strategically significant as it is located along a vital land corridor connecting Lebanon and Iran, facilitating the transfer of weapons and supplies to Hezbollah, Syria's key regional ally.
On Friday, the Syrian military targeted rebel positions and vehicles north and south of Hama using artillery, missiles, and airstrikes, with Russian assistance. Reports indicate that dozens of opposition fighters were killed or wounded in these operations, as per Syrian state media.
Last weekend, rebels gained control of Aleppo, a major city and former commercial hub, marking another significant defeat for Assad. Following the loss of Hama, the Syrian military issued a rare statement justifying its retreat, claiming it aimed to prevent civilian casualties within the city.
This withdrawal allows the Assad government to redirect its limited military resources to areas deemed more critical, such as Homs Province. The Russian Embassy in Damascus has issued a warning regarding the "difficult military and political situation in Syria," advising Russian citizens of the option to leave the country via commercial flights.
In response to the developments, Israel has announced troop reinforcements in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, which it captured from Syria in 1967. The Israeli military stated it is "prepared for all scenarios, offensive and defensive," amid ongoing tensions with Assad and Iran. The potential implications for Israel if the conflict escalates remain uncertain.