Syrian Rebels Accelerate Gains Amid Assad’s Struggles to Bolster Defenses

Saturday 07 December 2024 - 12:33

The Syrian conflict has reached a critical juncture as rebel forces advance rapidly, challenging government defenses and threatening President Bashar al-Assad's long-standing rule. On the brink of Homs, a city of strategic significance, rebels press forward while the Assad regime grapples with mounting setbacks and eroding support.

Momentum Shifts in Syria’s Civil War

Since the rebels’ breakthrough in Aleppo a week ago, they have seized key cities across Syria, marking a turning point in the civil war. The insurgents now control Aleppo in the north, Hama in the center, and Deir al-Zor in the east, while uprisings have flared in Suweida and Deraa in the south. Videos from these regions show celebrations as rebel forces consolidate their grip.

Syria’s military is reportedly conducting airstrikes around Hama and Homs and repositioning forces in southern regions. However, the rapid pace of rebel advances has left government defenses fragmented, raising concerns among Arab and Western observers about escalating instability in the region.

The Syrian conflict, which began in 2011 as a grassroots uprising, has since evolved into a devastating civil war involving global powers. The war has displaced millions, created fertile ground for extremist groups, and destabilized neighboring states.

Waning Support for Assad

President Assad has long relied on external allies to maintain his grip on power. Russian airpower and Iranian-backed militias, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah, have been instrumental in countering rebel forces. However, shifting geopolitical priorities have weakened this support. Russia remains focused on its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, while Hezbollah faces significant losses in its separate conflict with Israel.

Recent developments indicate further challenges for Assad’s allies. Iran has evacuated diplomatic families from Syria, and Iraqi militias, though on high alert near the Syrian border, have refrained from direct involvement. These constraints underscore the growing isolation of Assad’s regime.

The Strategic Battle for Homs

Homs has emerged as a pivotal battleground in the conflict. Rebel forces reached the city’s outskirts after seizing nearby villages, signaling their intent to cut off key supply routes between Damascus and the coastal regions.

Inside Homs, residents report an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty, with increased airstrikes and pro-government militias establishing checkpoints. Control of Homs would isolate the capital from Assad’s Alawite stronghold and key Russian military bases on the coast.

Both sides anticipate a fierce confrontation in Homs. Rebel factions, including Islamist groups, have called on government forces in the city to defect, while the Syrian military attempts to fortify its positions under heavy bombardment.

Deraa and Deir al-Zor: Expanding Rebel Control

In the south, rebels claim to have negotiated a withdrawal deal with government forces in Deraa, the symbolic birthplace of the Syrian uprising. The city’s capture marks a significant blow to Assad’s regime, potentially paving the way for an advance on Damascus.

Meanwhile, in the east, Kurdish-led forces supported by international allies have captured Deir al-Zor, severing Assad’s land link to allied forces in Iraq. This development further limits the regime’s ability to counter the multipronged rebel offensive.

A Fractured Regime

The recent rebel gains underscore the fragility of Assad’s regime. Analysts suggest that morale among government forces is low, with few willing to risk their lives for a leadership that appears increasingly isolated.

As the conflict intensifies, regional powers are set to meet to discuss the crisis. Diplomatic solutions remain elusive, with Assad accused of failing to reconcile with his people or address the root causes of the war.

The coming days will be critical in determining the trajectory of the Syrian conflict. For now, the momentum appears firmly in favor of the rebel forces, signaling a potentially decisive chapter in the nation’s turbulent history.