Opposition fighters are closing in on Syria’s capital, Damascus, marking a swift turn in the country’s ongoing conflict that has left many around the world in shock. In recent days, the Syrian military has retreated from several strategic cities, offering minimal resistance.
The advancing opposition forces consist primarily of two main groups: Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the Syrian National Army. HTS, with its roots in al-Qaida, is now pursuing the overthrow of President Bashar Assad’s government, having severed formal ties with the terrorist group. Meanwhile, the Syrian National Army is a coalition of Turkish-backed militias that share similar goals yet maintain parallel interests, particularly in safeguarding the Turkish border from Kurdish forces.
The coalition’s offensive, which began on November 27, succeeded in capturing major cities, including Aleppo and Hama, undermining Assad’s former strongholds. This marks the first time since 2018 that opposition fighters have neared Damascus, a city previously recaptured after a lengthy siege.
In addition to the northern offensives, other insurgent groups have seized control in southern regions like Sweida and Daraa. Sweida, home to Syria’s Druze minority, has been a center of anti-government sentiment. Daraa, historically pivotal to the 2011 uprising, saw a brief return to calm under a Russian-brokered ceasefire, until now.
Currently, the administration holds control over just three of Syria’s 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Latakia, and Tartus. Military withdrawals, including from Homs—a vital connection from Damascus to coastal regions—illustrate the weakening hold of Assad’s forces.
Analysts are closely watching HTS and the Syrian National Army’s next moves. Although both groups seek Assad’s ousting, their long-term cooperation remains uncertain. Turkey, a key player that has previously supported Assad’s opposition, has lately promoted reconciliation and disclaimed any involvement in this latest offensive.
The international response is increasingly pressing, with the U.N. urging urgency for political talks. Geir Pedersen, the U.N. special envoy for Syria, emphasized the fluid situation and the need for an organized political transition, following meetings with diplomats from key countries such as Russia, Turkey, and Iran at the Doha Summit.
Amid these developments, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s remarks underscore a lack of American support for Assad, shifting focus onto international diplomatic solutions.
The recent resurgence of conflict in Syria has dramatically altered the landscape, as opposition forces approach the gates of Damascus. With major cities under rebel control, the future of Assad’s regime hangs in the balance, leaving international stakeholders scrambling to address the rapidly evolving crisis.
Source: Apnews
