Syrian Army Struggles as Rebels Gain Ground
The Syrian army is facing severe setbacks under the growing dominance of rebel forces, who are capturing one key city after another. Amid this escalating crisis, Russia, a close ally of the Bashar al-Assad government, has issued a directive urging its citizens to leave Syria immediately for their safety.
BBC Report: Rebels Advance, Threatening Syrian Regime's Stability
On Friday (December 6), a report by British media outlet BBC highlighted significant developments in Syria’s ongoing conflict. According to the report, rebel forces led by the Islamist group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have captured two major cities, Aleppo and Hama, within just a week. They are now advancing towards the city of Homs, prompting fears of a large-scale battle. Many residents have already begun fleeing the city to avoid potential conflict.
This rapid advance by the rebels poses a growing threat to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his staunch allies, Russia and Iran. Meanwhile, The New York Times reported that Iran has started evacuating senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force, along with several diplomats, their families, and other civilians, signaling heightened concerns over the situation.
Russia Follows Iran’s Lead in Syria Evacuation
Russia appears to be taking a similar approach to Iran in response to the escalating crisis in Syria. In a statement, the Russian Embassy in Damascus highlighted the worsening military and political situation in the country. It reminded Russian citizens residing in Syria to consider leaving via commercial flights from operational airports.
The statement, published on the embassy's Telegram channel, described the week-long clashes as indicative of Syria’s challenging military and political environment.
According to The Moscow Times, the rebel coalition launched an offensive in northern Syria on November 27, aiming to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad, who is backed by Russia and Iran.
Rebels Gain Ground in Syria Amid Escalating Violence
The UK-based monitoring group Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) has reported that rebel factions have taken control of several military installations following intense clashes with government forces.
Syrian state television, citing the Russian Coordination Center in Syria, reported that Russian-Syrian airstrikes targeted rebel headquarters in rural areas of Hama, Idlib, and Aleppo on Friday, killing at least 200 rebels.
Syria has been embroiled in a civil war since an uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began 13 years ago. The latest rebel offensive marks a significant shift, as forces have moved beyond their northwestern stronghold in Idlib.
UN Report Highlights Devastating Syrian Conflict Death Toll
In 2022, the United Nations Human Rights Office reported that more than 300,000 people were killed in the Syrian conflict between 2011 and 2021. During this period, the Assad government, with critical support from its key allies—Russia, Iran, and Lebanon's Hezbollah—regained control over most of Syria.
However, this control has recently shown signs of weakening amid renewed instability and escalating challenges in the region.
0 Comments