Escalating Conflict in Syria: Key Bridges Bombed as Thousands Flee
Russian forces have targeted a critical bridge and highway in a bid to hinder the rapid advance of rebel groups towards Homs, prompting a mass exodus of civilians from the area. According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the fleeing residents are heading towards the Mediterranean coastal regions of Latakia and Tartus, both strongholds of the Syrian government and sites for significant Russian military installations.
The United Nations reported that since late November, nearly 300,000 people have been forcibly displaced in Syria as violence escalates, with projections suggesting that up to 1.5 million individuals may be compelled to evacuate in light of the rebel offensive. This surge in violence poses a severe challenge to President Bashar al-Assad, who has maintained power with the backing of Russia and Iran since the conflict began in 2011.
According to a Syrian Army officer cited by Reuters, Russian aerial attacks overnight resulted in the destruction of the Rastan bridge on the vital M5 highway, which serves as a connection between Homs and Hama—another city recently overtaken by rebel forces.
Rebels, primarily led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have made significant territorial gains over the past few days, including the reconquest of Aleppo, the nation’s largest city, alongside control over 14 villages and towns. They have advanced to within 35 kilometers of the Khmeimim air base, which is operated by Russia. HTS is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., U.K., Canada, and the European Union.
Hama, the fourth-largest city in Syria, is seen as crucial for the defense of Damascus and as a gateway to coastal cities like Tartus and Latakia, the latter of which harbors a strategic Russian naval base. In a rare media appearance, HTS leader Abu Muhammad al-Julani articulated the group's objective of overthrowing the Assad regime, asserting that it is their right to leverage all available means to pursue this aim.
The rebel coalition also includes the Syrian National Army, which is an umbrella organization of Turkish-backed militias. To discuss the ongoing crisis, the foreign ministers of Iraq, Syria, and Iran convened on December 6. Additionally, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova announced that top diplomats from Moscow, Tehran, and Ankara would hold discussions in Qatar on December 7.
In a concerning development, Russia's embassy in Syria has advised Russian nationals to evacuate due to the worsening situation, as international tension mounts and the humanitarian impact of the conflict continues to grow.
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