The Syrian conflict has entered a new phase of turmoil as rebel forces, led by the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), claimed control of the southern city of Daraa, near the Jordanian border. This marks the fourth significant territorial gain by the rebels in a week, following their seizure of Aleppo, Hama, and Homs. The rapid advances have destabilised Syria’s political landscape, prompting international concern and actions.
Rebels Gain Ground Amidst Regional Tensions
This offensive is the first of its magnitude since 2020 when rebel groups were largely pushed to Syria’s far north. The current insurgency comes at a time when Syria’s key allies face their own regional challenges: Iran grapples with tensions involving Israel, Russia remains embroiled in its conflict with Ukraine, and Hezbollah is engaged in a conflict with Israel.
The capture of Daraa has further emboldened the rebels. “Our forces have liberated the last village on the outskirts of the city of Homs and are now on its walls,” announced a leading Syrian rebel faction on Telegram, as reported by Reuters. If the rebels successfully seize Homs, they could sever Damascus from Syria’s coastal regions, a stronghold of President Bashar al-Assad’s minority Alawite sect. The coastal areas also host vital Russian military bases.
Thousands Flee Amid Rebel Offensive
The advance on Homs has sparked a mass exodus. Thousands of residents fled towards Latakia and Tartus, the Mediterranean coastal regions, seeking safety from the intensifying conflict. Videos circulating online depict highways jammed with vehicles as people escaped the rebel onslaught.
Syrian state TV reported that at least 200 insurgents were killed on Friday in airstrikes conducted jointly by Russian and Syrian forces. The strikes targeted rebel positions in the rural areas of Hama, Idlib, and Aleppo. Despite this, the rebels continue to make strategic gains, threatening the stability of Assad’s regime.
Global Reactions: Evacuations and Advisory
The international response to the escalating violence has been swift. The Russian embassy in Damascus issued a rare advisory for Russian nationals to leave Syria. Moscow, a steadfast ally of Assad, remains deeply invested in the region but has shown increasing alarm over the recent developments.
Similarly, Iran has begun evacuating its military and diplomatic personnel. According to Iranian officials cited by The New York Times, top commanders of the Quds Force, the elite external branch of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps, have been relocated to Iraq and Lebanon.
India, too, has raised concerns. On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs issued an advisory for Indian nationals in Syria. “We have taken note of the recent escalation in fighting in the north of Syria. We are closely following the situation. There are about 90 Indian nationals in Syria, including 14 who are working in various UN organisations,” said Randhir Jaiswal, the ministry’s official spokesperson.
Calls for Dialogue
Turkey, which shares a border with Syria and has been a key player in the region, called for renewed dialogue between the Syrian government and opposition groups. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, in a phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, emphasized the need for a political resolution to the conflict, according to a Turkish foreign ministry source cited by Reuters.
The White House also stated it was closely monitoring the situation but has yet to announce any specific actions in response to the rebel gains.
A Worsening Crisis
The recent surge in violence underscores the fragility of the Syrian state and the challenges facing international actors involved in the conflict. The swift territorial gains by the rebels not only threaten Assad’s grip on power but also pose a significant humanitarian crisis, with thousands displaced and critical infrastructure in jeopardy.
As global powers and neighboring countries respond with evacuations and advisories, the call for dialogue and political solutions becomes more urgent. Whether such efforts can stem the tide of violence remains uncertain as Syria’s war plunges further into chaos.