Syrian rebels achieved a significant victory on Thursday by capturing the city of Hama, marking a swift advance across northern Syria that poses a serious challenge to President Bashar al-Assad and his allies, Russia and Iran.

This development, part of a week-long offensive, represents the fastest battlefield progress seen since the civil war began 13 years ago.

After years of stagnant frontlines, the rebels have taken control of Hama, a strategically important central city they had previously failed to seize. Following intense clashes, the Syrian army announced it was redeploying outside the city to avoid urban combat and protect civilian lives.

Celebratory scenes unfolded as rebels paraded through Hama, accompanied by gunfire, while footage showed prisoners being freed from the city’s jail. The insurgents are now poised to advance towards Homs, a critical crossroads city linking Damascus to northern Syria and the coast. A rebel statement encouraged Homs residents to join the uprising.

Al Jazeera broadcast images of rebels interacting with civilians in Hama, while fighting around surrounding villages had intensified for two days before the city fell quickly. The capture of Hama underscores a shift in power dynamics, exacerbated by the recent heavy losses suffered by Lebanon’s Hezbollah, a key ally of Assad.

Assad’s regime has relied heavily on Russian and Iranian support, but with Russia focused on the war in Ukraine and Hezbollah facing casualties from Israeli strikes, the Syrian government’s grip on northern territory appears increasingly precarious.

The main rebel commander, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, confirmed full control over Hama and issued a warning against any intervention by Iran-aligned forces, specifically Iraq’s Hashd al-Shaabi paramilitary group, which has reportedly mobilized along the border.

Hama’s capture significantly hampers Assad’s ability to launch a counteroffensive, with potential advances toward Homs threatening to isolate Damascus from the coastal region, a stronghold of Assad’s Alawite sect. Analysts suggest that if Homs falls, it could lead to a regime change.

Historically, Hama has been a center of opposition to the Assad regime, notably during a brutal crackdown in 1982. Golani referenced this dark chapter, stating that the rebels’ entry into Hama aims to address historical grievances but emphasized that revenge would not be sought.

The dominant rebel faction, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al-Qaeda affiliate, has pledged to protect Syria’s religious minorities while attempting to consolidate control over Aleppo and establish governance in the northwest. However, reports indicate shortages of basic supplies in Aleppo following the recent conflicts.

Read more

Syrian army confirms rebels enter Aleppo, says dozens of soldiers killed

Assad conditions Erdogan talks on Turkey exit from Syria

Syrians gripped by grim Ramazan TV series alluding to Assad dynasty

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for urgent humanitarian access for civilians in need and a return to a political process to end the violence. Meanwhile, Turkey, a key external supporter of rebel factions, has denied involvement in the recent rebel advances, which could influence the future of the insurgency and the potential return of Syrian refugees currently in Turkey.