Escalating Conflict in Homs: Thousands Flee as Militants Advance

Thousands flee the central Syrian city of Homs as Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) intensifies its offensive against Assad’s forces, aiming to reclaim territory and promote the return of refugees. The situation signals a potentially significant shift in the Syrian conflict, compounded by the resurgence of Daesh in eastern regions and the mixed involvement of foreign military support.

In the midst of escalating conflict in Syria, thousands have fled Homs as militants gain ground against President Bashar Assad’s forces. The offensive is led by Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), a former Al-Qaeda affiliate, with the group’s leader, Abu Mohammed Al-Golani, stating an intent to “build Syria” and facilitate the return of refugees from Lebanon and Europe. Following their advances since November 27, HTS has captured key cities and is approaching Homs, a strategic city connecting Damascus to Assad’s coastal strongholds.

Assad’s forces, which have largely regained control due to backing from Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, now face renewed challenges due to these allies being diverted elsewhere. Reports indicate that Hezbollah has deployed additional forces to the area to counter HTS’s rapid advance. The situation has prompted a significant uptick in people seeking refuge in government-held coastal regions like Latakia and Tartus, amid fears that losing Homs would isolate Damascus from the coast, significantly undermining Assad’s position.

Moreover, the extremist group Daesh has also resurfaced, asserting control in parts of eastern Syria, causing concern among U.S.-backed Kurdish forces. The recent developments place further pressure on the Assad regime, which has relied heavily on external military support. Golani’s statements suggest a temporary strategy aimed at confronting Assad, as he emphasized that HTS’s goals are not permanent but transitional to stabilize Syria and repatriate refugees.

The ongoing conflict in Syria, which erupted thirteen years ago, has seen the Assad regime struggle against various militant factions vying for power. The central city of Homs has been a focal point due to its strategic importance, linking the capital, Damascus, with key coastal regions. Recently, Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, a dominant militant group in Idlib, has launched an offensive that signifies a resurgence of anti-Assad sentiment. Concurrently, foreign influences, particularly from Russia and Iran, have been challenged, with Hezbollah facing setbacks in Lebanon and the dynamics of U.S. support in the region shifting. The resurgence of groups like Daesh compound the instability, leading to humanitarian crises and mass displacements.

The intensifying militancy in Syria, particularly the advances made by HTS toward Homs, represents a significant shift in the conflict that has persisted for over a decade. As thousands flee amid fears of losing the key city, the potential re-emergence of extremist factions like Daesh complicates the landscape further. The reliance on external support for the Assad regime and the responses from international players visualize a precarious balance that may define the future of governance and stability in Syria.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com

About Allegra Nguyen

Allegra Nguyen is an accomplished journalist with over a decade of experience reporting for leading news outlets. She began her career covering local politics and quickly expanded her expertise to international affairs. Allegra has a keen eye for investigative reporting and has received numerous accolades for her dedication to uncovering the truth. With a master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University, she blends rigorous research with compelling storytelling to engage her audience.

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