Following their capture of Homs, HTS forces have encircled Damascus, sparking fears of an impending showdown. Residents report a surge in military presence and skyrocketing food prices, as the government struggles to maintain control. Over 370,000 civilians have been displaced, with the UN calling for urgent humanitarian aid to address the worsening crisis.
New Delhi
The Assad regime, in power for 24 years, faces an unprecedented challenge as the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) declares the capture of Homs, a strategically critical city. This victory marks a pivotal moment in their ongoing campaign against the Syrian government.
In a Telegram video message, HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa stated, “We are living in the final moments of the liberation of the city of Homs… this historic event that will distinguish between truth and falsehood.”
Following this triumph, HTS announced that opposition forces have entered the “final stage” of their offensive, encircling Damascus. It is the first time since 2018 that opposition forces have reached the capital’s outskirts, a significant development given the years-long siege that once secured the region for the Assad regime.
Signs of unrest are already emerging in Damascus. Protesters in one suburb toppled and smashed a statue of Hafez al-Assad, the current president’s father. Reports from residents in other suburbs reveal instances of soldiers discarding their uniforms and deserting their posts, further underscoring the precarious situation for the Syrian government.
According to Syria-based news agencies, President Bashar al-Assad remains in Damascus, a city increasingly tense as the conflict approaches its heart.
Escalating Security Crisis in Syria
The situation in Syria continues to deteriorate rapidly. Opposition forces, emboldened by their victories, are steadily advancing towards Damascus, prompting the Syrian army to bolster its defenses in the suburbs. However, the government has downplayed these developments, labeling them part of a “terrorist” propaganda effort aimed at destabilizing the nation.
Meanwhile, international attempts to mediate and halt the violence have yet to yield results. Talks held in Doha with influential regional actors, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey, and Iran, concluded without significant progress. The UN has also evacuated non-essential personnel from Syria, citing the proximity of the fighting to Damascus and the escalating violence. UN humanitarian coordinator Adam Abdelmoula reported that over 370,000 people have been displaced due to the conflict, further worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.
The capture of Homs comes on the heels of another major HTS victory in the southern city of Daraa, where the 2011 uprising against the Assad government first began. As part of a negotiated withdrawal, Syrian forces agreed to leave Daraa, receiving safe passage to Damascus.
This intensification of the conflict has also seen Syrian soldiers fleeing across the border into Iraq. Approximately 2,000 troops have sought refuge, with the Iraqi government granting them shelter in line with international humanitarian principles.
Damascus in Turmoil
Within Damascus, the atmosphere is one of mounting anxiety. A noticeable increase in military presence, coupled with a sharp rise in food prices, has left residents grappling with uncertainty. Many shops have shuttered entirely, while those that remain open are selling goods at significantly inflated prices, exacerbating fears of an economic collapse alongside the political turmoil.
A Critical Turning Point in Syria
The capture of Homs by HTS represents a seismic shift in the dynamics of the Syrian conflict. With opposition forces encircling Damascus and signs of dissent spreading within the capital, the balance of power appears to be tilting against the Assad regime. The developments raise urgent concerns about the nation’s stability and the broader implications for the region’s future.
