Syrian Assad forces retreat from Homs as Islamist rebels advance

HOMS,— Syrian government forces have reportedly pulled out of significant parts of the central Syrian city of Homs, according to both a Syrian opposition war monitor and a pro-government media outlet. This development marks a significant shift in Syria’s ongoing civil war.

The pro-government broadcaster Sham FM reported that Syrian forces had repositioned to areas outside Homs but did not provide further details.

Meanwhile, Rami Abdurrahman, the director of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, stated that Syrian troops and security personnel had vacated much of the city. According to Abdurrahman, Turkey-backed Islamist rebel forces have already moved into parts of Homs.

Strategic Loss for Assad

The loss of Homs would represent a major setback for Syrian President Bashar Assad. The city is strategically vital, serving as a critical hub linking the capital, Damascus, to the coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus.

These regions are not only Assad’s strongholds but also home to Russia’s significant naval base in Tartus.

Pro-Turkey Islamist rebel forces, who have made rapid territorial gains in recent weeks, see the capture of Homs as a turning point. Their offensive has already resulted in the seizure of key cities, including Aleppo and Hama, as well as large swaths of southern Syria.

Analysts say that losing Homs could mark a “game-changer” in the conflict, further eroding Assad’s control.

Islamist rebels Push Toward Damascus

The rebels’ momentum has extended to the outskirts of Damascus, with reports on Saturday indicating they have reached the capital’s suburbs. Opposition groups and rebel commanders have corroborated these claims.

The developments have led to widespread speculation on social media about Assad’s whereabouts, though Syrian state media dismissed these rumors, insisting the president remains in Damascus and continues to perform his duties.

The Syrian army’s retreat from southern regions has left several provincial capitals under rebel control, a dramatic reversal for the government. For the first time since the civil war began, Assad’s forces now hold just four of the country’s 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Homs, Latakia, and Tartus.

A Surge Led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham

The latest rebel advances have been spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly known as al Nusra Front, a faction with roots in al-Qaida. The United States and the United Nations classify HTS as a terrorist organization. Despite this designation, the group has faced minimal resistance from Syrian government forces during their recent offensive.

The United Nations’ special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has called for immediate talks in Geneva to facilitate a political transition. Speaking at the Doha Forum in Qatar, Pedersen stressed the urgency of addressing the rapidly evolving situation, describing it as “changing by the minute.”

International Reactions

Russia, Assad’s primary international ally, has expressed concern over the developments. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said his country “feels sorry for the Syrian people” as the conflict intensifies. However, Russia’s focus remains divided due to its ongoing war in Ukraine.

Other key players in the region, such as Iran and Hezbollah, have also shown diminished involvement. Hezbollah, once a significant supporter of Assad’s forces, has been weakened by prolonged conflict with Israel. Meanwhile, Iranian proxies have been targeted by repeated Israeli airstrikes, further limiting their ability to assist.

In the United States, President-elect Donald Trump has reiterated his stance against American military involvement in Syria. On Saturday, he posted on social media that the U.S. should avoid getting entangled in the conflict.

Calls for Peace and Stability

Foreign ministers from Iran, Russia, and Turkey met in Qatar to discuss the situation, jointly calling for an end to hostilities. Turkey, a key backer of the rebels, has emphasized the need for a political solution.

Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani criticized Assad for failing to use recent periods of relative calm to address Syria’s underlying issues. “Assad didn’t seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

Expressing surprise at the speed of the rebels’ advance, Sheikh Mohammed warned of the potential for further devastation. “There is a real threat to Syria’s territorial integrity,” he stated, adding that without urgent political action, the war could “destroy what is left” of the country.

As the situation unfolds, the fate of Homs and its implications for the broader conflict remain uncertain. The city’s capture by rebel forces would mark a significant milestone in the Syrian civil war, further challenging Assad’s grip on power.

(With files from AP)