Syrian rebels seized full control of Homs after just one day of fighting on Sunday morning. This move leaves President Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year rule in jeopardy, as rebels march toward Damascus.
Thousands of Homs residents flooded the streets, celebrating the army’s withdrawal. Protesters shouted, “Assad is gone, Homs is free” and “Long live Syria, down with Bashar al-Assad.” Rebels fired into the air, while youth tore down Assad’s posters. The loss of Homs marks a significant blow to Assad’s control.
Homs is located at the heart of Syria. Its fall cuts off key supply routes, separating Damascus from the coastal region. This region, a stronghold of Assad’s Alawite sect, hosts Russian naval and air bases. Homs’ capture also represents a major win for the rebels, who had previously struggled for years. The city had been devastated by sieges, but the rebels managed to reclaim it.
Abu Mohammed al-Golani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, called Homs’ capture “historic.” He urged fighters not to harm those who surrendered. Rebels also freed thousands of detainees from the local prison. As security forces fled, they burned documents.
Rebels Advance Toward Damascus
The fight for Syria is shifting toward the capital. On Saturday, protests erupted in several districts of Damascus. Residents voiced opposition to Assad’s regime. Security forces seemed unwilling or unable to suppress the protests.
Rebel commander Hassan Abdul Ghani confirmed that rebels are working to “completely liberate” the areas surrounding Damascus. They are now focused on advancing toward the capital.
Also Read: Syrian Govt Denies Reports Of President Assad Fleeing Amid Rebel Advance On Damascus
In one suburb, protesters tore down a statue of Hafez al-Assad, the late father of the current president, symbolizing defiance.
Assad’s Rule Faces Collapse
The fall of Homs and the threat to Damascus present an immediate danger to Assad’s regime. It also challenges Iran’s influence in Syria.
Foreign officials believe Assad’s government is on the brink of collapse. Some predict it may fall within five to 10 days. The rapid developments have alarmed Arab nations and raised fears of regional instability.
Countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, along with others, have called for a political solution. However, no consensus on specific actions has been reached. The situation remains fluid and unpredictable.
The Bigger Picture and Foreign Involvement
The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011 as an uprising against Assad, has drawn in major foreign powers. The conflict has allowed jihadist groups to expand and created a refugee crisis across the region.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the strongest rebel group, is an offshoot of al-Qaeda. It is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and others. Many Syrians fear the group could impose harsh Islamist rule. However, Golani has reassured that his group will not target minority groups. Reports from Aleppo, which rebels captured recently, show no reprisals against civilians.
Assad’s Struggling Allies
Assad has relied heavily on foreign support throughout the conflict. Russia’s warplanes have provided airstrikes, and Iran has sent forces, including Hezbollah and Iraqi militias. However, Russia’s focus has shifted to the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has suffered significant losses in its conflict with Israel, reducing its ability to support Assad.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has stated that the U.S. should not intervene in Syria and suggested that the situation should “play out on its own.”