Syrian Army Redeploys Amidst Rising Threats from Islamist Rebels in Hama
The Syrian Army has announced a strategic redeployment of its troops in Hama, a key city currently under threat from Islamist-led rebels. This move, aimed at preserving civilian lives and avoiding urban combat, follows the recent entrance of these rebel forces into Hama—a setback for President Bashar al-Assad and his backers, including Russia and Iran.
In a statement released on December 5, the Syrian Army acknowledged that after intensifying confrontations, rebel groups were able to breach multiple positions and enter the city. The situation in Hama is critical, as it serves as a crucial defense point for Damascus, providing access to the coastal cities of Tartus and Latakia, the latter being home to a vital Russian naval base.
Just a day prior to the announcement, Syrian and Russian forces had ramped up their military operations against the insurgents, employing heavy artillery shelling and airstrikes in a bid to stem the tide of the rebel advance. However, the conflict appears to be escalating, with analysts suggesting that Homs could soon be the next target for opposition forces, given its more favorable geography for advancing rebels. Charles Lister, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, noted the growing danger for the Assad regime as rebels consolidate their positions.
In recent days, the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), along with other militias, have made significant territorial gains. Their recent conquests include the capture of Aleppo, Syria's largest city, along with 14 surrounding villages and towns, positioning them just 35 kilometers away from the Russian-operated Khmeimim Airbase. This base, of strategic importance, was handed over to Russia in 2015 and has been pivotal in aiding Assad's forces throughout the prolonged civil war.
The rebel coalition comprises not only HTS but also includes a network of Turkish-backed Syrian militias, collectively known as the Syrian National Army. The escalation of hostilities has led to dire humanitarian consequences, prompting the United Nations to report that tens of thousands of civilians have been displaced amid the ongoing conflict.
As the situation continues to develop, the international community remains watchful over Syria, keenly aware of the potential implications for regional stability and the humanitarian crisis unfolding within the war-torn nation.
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