Thousands began fleeing Homs, Syria’s third-largest city, as insurgent forces captured two key towns on its outskirts, increasing fears of a significant offensive.
Led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, insurgents seized the towns of Rastan and Talbiseh, advancing within three miles of Homs. This marked a significant step in their campaign against Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime. The rapid advances over the past week, most notably the capture of Hama, underscore the shifting dynamics within the Syrian conflict.
The fall of Hama to insurgent forces came as the Syrian military opted to withdraw, citing the need to prevent civilian casualties. This retreat has come to symbolize a broader pattern of government concessions in the face of mounting insurgent pressure.
Homs holds substantial strategic importance. Its location connects Damascus with the coastal provinces, strongholds of Assad’s support network. If lost, it would be a severe blow to the regime, impacting communications and supply routes to those regions.
In response to these developments, regional foreign ministers convened in Baghdad to discuss the escalating conflict. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein voiced deep concerns about regional security, while Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh emphasized the broader security threats posed by the insurgents’ successes.
Meanwhile, the Syrian military has denied reports of a withdrawal from Homs, asserting instead that it is reinforcing its positions. However, there has been no cohesive counteroffensive against the opposition advances. The insurgents’ momentum has already impacted Syria’s economy, with a significant devaluation of the Syrian pound observed in recent days.
Amid these military and economic pressures, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan commented on the situation, expressing that Turkey had not wished for such developments. However, he criticized Assad’s refusal to engage in dialogue, which may have thwarted potential diplomatic solutions.
As the insurgent forces continue their advance, the fate of Homs hangs in the balance. With regional tensions rising and economic conditions worsening, the coming weeks may determine the trajectory of the ongoing conflict in Syria.
Source: Apnews
