Rapid Rebel Forces advance, intense fighting: Will Damascus Fall?

Reports indicate that opposition rebels, after seizing key cities like Aleppo and Hama, have now reached near Homs, Syria’s third-largest city, and Daraa, a city close to the capital, Damascus.

The rebels leading the battle in Homs have declared that they have “liberated the last village on the outskirts of Homs.” Meanwhile, other rebel groups fighting in the south of Syria have announced the capture of the city of Daraa, located near the Syrian capital.

CNN reported on Saturday, December 7, that the rebels are now fighting from two directions—north and south—against the forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, advancing toward Damascus.

The rebels’ northern offensive began with the unexpected capture of Aleppo, followed by Hama. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the rebels are now stationed behind the walls of Homs and have issued a message to the regime forces: “For the last time, we tell you, you still have the chance to turn your back on the regime.”

The southern front of the rebels has also claimed control of Daraa, the capital of Daraa province near Damascus. While international media have not independently verified the rebel claim, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “local factions” of the rebels, after “violent battles” with government forces, succeeded in capturing numerous military sites.

Daraa is located 100 kilometers south of the capital, and reports from the Syrian Observatory suggest that rebels now control more than 90% of the Daraa region. An agreement has reportedly been made for military officials to escape to Damascus through safe channels.

Recent reports also indicate that the family of Bashar al-Assad has fled Syria and is now in Russia. The Wall Street Journal, citing informed sources, reported that Assad’s wife and three children have left Syria and taken refuge in Russia.

The ongoing advances of the opposition rebels in both the north and south of Syria highlight the growing challenges to the Syrian government’s control.

The Battle for Homs showed signs of further intervention from Damascus’ long-time allies, especially Tehran and its proxy forces.

Reuters, citing two senior Lebanese security officials, reported that Hezbollah has sent a small group of “monitoring forces” to defend Homs against the rebels’ capture.

An Iranian senior official also stated, “It is likely that Tehran will need to send military equipment, missiles, and drones to Syria… Tehran has taken all necessary steps to increase the number of military advisers in Syria and deploy additional forces.”

However, the international community remains divided on how to address the complex and evolving situation in Syria, with some powers backing the regime and others supporting the opposition. The coming days and weeks will be critical in determining the future of Syria and its leadership.

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