As political turmoil accelerates in Syria, President Bashar Assad’s leadership faces unprecedented challenges.
Rebel forces have significantly advanced within Syria, capturing strategic locations and reaching the outskirts of Damascus, Daily Express US reported.
The ongoing conflict has led to significant shifts in control with rebels overtaking pivotal cities like Aleppo and Hama. This marks the first substantial progress by opposition groups in the suburbs of Damascus since 2018, bringing them close to the heart of the Syrian political establishment.
Amidst these developments, symbols of the Assad regime in the conquered cities have not been spared. Insurgent fighters have vandalized statues and murals of the Assad family, signaling a powerful message against the current administration.
The withdrawing Syrian army has facilitated a surge in rebel control, particularly in the south, yielding authority to opposition factions over two provincial capitals. This vacuum of power indicates a significant loss of ground for government troops facing a determined insurgent force.
As the situation inside Syria intensifies, President Assad’s international allies face their own conflicts, limiting their ability to provide support. Russia, Assad's primary supporter, remains engrossed in ongoing military activities in Ukraine, while Hezbollah has weakened due to recent escalations with Israel.
Furthermore, Iranian proxies, another critical support line for Assad, have suffered setbacks from a series of Israeli airstrikes, diminishing their effectiveness in the region. Despite these obstacles, Syrian state media asserts that President Assad actively engages in his duties from Damascus, showcasing his defiance to leave his country or cede control.
As reported by commander Hassan Abdul-Ghani, the Syrian insurgents are executing a strategic plan, tightly encircling Damascus in what is deemed the 'final stage' of their offensive.
Opposition forces are executing the 'final stage' of their offensive by encircling Damascus, aiming to close all entry points and cut off any potential aid to government forces. We believe this will decisively shift the balance of power.
This movement has seen active engagements in suburbs like Maadamiyah, Jaramana, and Daraya, with insurgents pushing towards Harasta from the east, illustrating a comprehensive strategy to surround the capital.
In response to the looming threat, the Syrian military has marshaled reinforcements to defend Homs, another major city at risk of falling into rebel hands. The strategic necessity of holding Homs underscores the serious implications of losing further ground to the rebel coalition, which now includes powerful groups such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
HTS's involvement has been particularly impactful, as evidenced by their leadership in successful operations that resulted in the capture of Aleppo and Hama on November 27. The rapid progression of these groups poses a direct challenge to the Assad regime's hold over Syria.
As insurgents strengthen their positions around Damascus, President Assad's tenure grows increasingly fragile. The dual pressure of internal advancements by opposition forces and the distraction of external allies embroiled in their own conflicts cast a shadow over Assad's future in power.
Syrian state media and government outlets fervently refute claims of Assad fleeing, presenting a narrative of a leader firmly in place amid crisis. The reality on the ground, however, depicts a scenario of heightened military tensions and strategic maneuvers by insurgents determined to overthrow the Assad regime.
While the battlefronts continue to evolve, both sides display a staunch determination to assert their influence over Syria. The ongoing conflict not only shapes the future of the nation but also significantly impacts regional stability and international political alignments.
