Summary
Syrian rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have captured the strategic city of Hama after the military withdrew, following their earlier seizure of Aleppo.
HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani declared victory, pledging no revenge, as over 720 people have died in the eight-day offensive.
Assad, backed by Russia and Iran, vowed to crush the rebels, while Turkey urged political talks to end the conflict.
The offensive threatens further division as rebels expand attacks, civilians face growing danger, and regional powers remain deeply involved.
Looks like they are attempting to cut off the western portion of the country from government forces. This, if successful, would give the rebels control of the Mediterranean ports and a very large swath of additional territory.
This may be their goal (it likely is), but it’s honestly too early to speculate on the long term viability of implementing and holding such a plan.
Could they not be marching to Damascus? I have no idea if that’s even feasible
100% marching to Damascus. Golani told the people of Homs, Deir Ez-zor, Damascus, and Daraa to “get ready”. Half the province of Daraa was already out of the regime’s control, now it’s probably more. After the peaceful protests in Suwaida the protesters and militias are taking over check points and prisons. If HTS abandons them they will be crushed in no time.
The feasibility of this attack depends entirely on Hezbollah / Iran’s response, since Russia has already implied that their air strikes will do nothing if the SAA keeps retreating.
The fight in Homs is probably gonna be very fierce though.
The white part on the left here isn’t exactly impassable terrain for the Assadbois