A significant shift in Syria’s civil war occurred as the Syrian army lost control of the strategic city of Hama to rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. This defeat follows the recent capture of Aleppo by the same jihadist group, marking a dramatic turn in the 13-year-old conflict.
Syrian Defense Ministry officials announced they withdrew their forces from Hama to protect civilian lives, following several days of intense fighting. The rebels also captured a military airport outside the city, where they reportedly freed detained prisoners. Hama’s location between Aleppo and Damascus makes it a crucial strategic point.
This sudden rebel advance appears to have taken advantage of a unique moment when Syria’s traditional supporters are distracted by other conflicts. Ambassador Robert Wood, the U.S. representative at the U.N., noted that Iran, Russia and Hezbollah — all key allies of Syrian President Bashar Assad — have been weakened and preoccupied with conflicts elsewhere. The offensive began on Nov. 27, coinciding with a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The developments present a complex situation for President Biden and his administration, which opposes the Assad regime but also has concerns about the insurgent forces, particularly Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and other countries.
Russia, despite being heavily engaged in Ukraine, has expressed alarm at these developments. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated that Moscow is closely monitoring the situation and may consider providing assistance to Syrian authorities based on their assessment of the threat.
Read more: Surging Syrian rebels take key city of Hama in lightning advance against Damascus
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