Syrian Insurgency Strengthens as Rebels Seize Two Towns North of Homs
Reports indicate that insurgents seized control of Rastan and Talbiseh early Friday morning, prompting thousands to flee Syria’s third-largest city.
According to local media outlets, rebel groups, including the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), entered the towns north of Homs, Syria’s third-largest city. This incursion followed the capture of Hama, the fourth-largest city, after the Syrian army withdrew to avoid bloodshed and protect civilians.
HTS, along with Turkish-backed Syrian militias known as the Syrian National Army, have declared their intention to advance toward Homs and Damascus.
Homs, a crucial link between Damascus and the coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus, is significant due to its strategic location and demographic makeup. It was partly held by rebels until 2014 and is important for Assad’s rule over Syria.
Insurgents are now just three miles away from Homs city, as reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The battle for Homs is expected to have a significant impact on the future of Syria.
Following the fall of Hama, loyalists of Assad from Homs were seen fleeing towards Damascus and the coast. Videos circulating online show a mass exodus from the city, although their authenticity cannot be confirmed.
While the rebels entered Rastan and Talbiseh without resistance, the Syrian military has not confirmed their withdrawal from these towns. The military, supported by Russian air forces, is engaging with insurgents in Hama province.
Damascus’s defense minister affirmed that the retreat from Hama was a tactical decision and that government forces remain in a strong position on the ground. He labeled the insurgents as “takfiri” extremists with foreign backing.
The offensive, led by HTS and Syrian National Army militias, poses a significant threat to Assad’s regime. HTS, formerly Jabhat al-Nusra associated with al-Qaeda, has previously captured Aleppo, reigniting the conflict in Syria.
Assad’s government, supported by Russia and Iran, faces challenges as Moscow’s attention shifts to Ukraine and Iran deals with clashes with Israel. Despite these obstacles, the regime remains determined to reclaim lost territories.
This report includes information from The Associated Press and Reuters.
