Syrian Army Withdraws from Hama as Opposition Forces Advance

Thursday 05 December 2024 - 14:35

The Syrian conflict has reached a critical juncture as opposition forces entered the city of Hama, a key strategic location, after fierce battles with government troops. This development marks another significant blow to President Bashar al-Assad’s control in the region.

On Thursday, the Syrian army confirmed the redeployment of its forces from Hama, stating the move was necessary to "preserve civilian lives and prevent urban combat." This announcement followed an earlier denial that opposition fighters had penetrated the city. Opposition commander Hassan Abdul Ghany revealed that his forces began entering Hama after laying siege to it since Tuesday, with intense clashes overnight. The Syrian army's efforts to resist were bolstered by heavy Russian airstrikes.

Al Jazeera correspondent Resul Serdar highlighted the importance of this development, noting that the opposition forces had already seized control of Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, in just over a week. Now, with Hama in their sights, the opposition appears to be making rapid advances.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that opposition fighters surrounded Hama from three sides, with violent clashes erupting near Jabal Zayn al-Abidin, a strategic area north of the city. The Observatory’s head, Rami Abdurrahman, emphasized the government forces' fierce resistance in an attempt to halt the rebels' progress.

Hama’s strategic significance cannot be overstated. Located along the route from Aleppo to Damascus, its capture could pave the way for a rebel advance on Homs, another critical city. Furthermore, Hama’s proximity to towns with significant minority religious communities, such as Muhrada and Salamiya, as well as the coastal region of Latakia, underscores its importance in the broader conflict.

The fall of Hama, which had remained under government control since the war began in 2011, would represent a major setback for the Assad regime and its allies. It would not only disrupt the regime’s territorial hold but also send shockwaves through Damascus, Moscow, and Tehran.

While Russia’s primary focus has shifted to the war in Ukraine, its involvement in Syria remains significant. Over the past week, Russian airstrikes on rebel-held areas have intensified. Russian and Syrian forces have conducted targeted operations against opposition factions in the Hama region. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov assured that Russia is closely monitoring the situation and remains in constant dialogue with Syrian authorities to assess their needs.

The opposition advances have been spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al-Qaeda affiliate. Despite its leader, Abu Mohammed al-Julani, pledging to protect Syria’s religious minorities, many remain apprehensive about HTS's intentions. Al-Julani’s recent visit to Aleppo’s historic citadel symbolized the group’s resurgence, as it had suffered a significant defeat in Aleppo in 2016.

As Hama's fate hangs in the balance, the conflict enters a new phase that could reshape the dynamics of the Syrian civil war, with implications for both local populations and international stakeholders.