Syrian rebels have made significant gains by capturing the central city of Hama, as they continue their surprising advance across the war-torn country. The Syrian army has officially announced its loss of control over the city, which has sparked both celebration and concern among various groups. The rapid offensive, led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), is reshaping the power dynamics within Syria and placing the regime of President Bashar al-Assad under extreme pressure.
On December 7, 2023, the Syrian army confirmed it was no longer in control of Hama, acknowledging confrontations between its troops and rebel forces. “Over the past few hours, with the intensification of confrontations between our soldiers and terrorist groups… these groups were able to breach several axes in the city and entered it,” conveyed the Syrian army's spokesperson.
Rebel commander Lieutenant Colonel Hassan Abdul Ghani declared triumphantly, “Our forces entered and liberated vast neighbourhoods in the city, and the enemy forces are collapsing.” This statement was backed by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which reported street fighting and chaotic confrontations against regime forces across many Hama districts.
Rebel forces celebrated their achievements with jubilation, leading to the release of hundreds of prisoners during the assault. Videos surfaced showing fighters kissing the ground upon entering the city and local residents expressing their joy at the rebels' success. Some even destroyed portraits of Assad, signifying their outright rejection of his regime.
The city of Hama holds substantial symbolic value for many Syrians due to its historical significance as both a seat of opposition and rebellion. Particularly, the city was previously the site of brutal suppression of the Muslim Brotherhood uprising by Hafez al-Assad, father of the current president, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths back in 1982.
HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani expressed his hopes following the capture, proclaiming, “I pray to God Almighty this will be a victory full of mercy and kindness, free from revenge.” His words reflect not only the immediate objectives of military success but also the broader aspirations of many who oppose the Assad regime.
Despite the celebration among rebel factions and local residents, the reality remains stark. The Syrian Observatory confirmed the rising casualties during the recent conflict surge, implying over 700 deaths since the HTS-led offensive began. The conflict has reignited fears and concerns across the country, particularly as the focus now shifts to Homs, which could be the next target for the advancing rebels.
“Hama is not strategic, but Homs is because it connects Damascus with the coastal area, and for the Iranians losing Homs means potentially losing access to Lebanon,” noted Jihad Yazigi, editor-in-chief of the Syria Report. Analysts suggest the fall of Homs would critically weaken the already embattled Assad regime, potentially pushing its allies, including Russia and Iran, to reassess their support for the government.
The rush of people fleeing Homs has begun, especially members of Assad’s Alawite minority, who fear retaliation from rebels. The fighting hasn’t let up; as government forces attempted to regroup around Homs, they faced fierce airstrikes targeting the infrastructure hailed as pivotal to cutting off the rebels’ advance.
Ongoing military actions from Russian forces attempt to reinforce the dwindling control of the Assad regime, evidenced by airstrikes aimed at roads leading to Hama. The Syrian army claimed its retreat from Hama was merely “a temporary tactical measure,” as Defense Minister Ali Abbas insisted their forces remain nearby.
The situation continues to evolve rapidly. UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen characterized the conflicts igniting once again as presenting “a grave threat for some, a sign of hope for others.” The impact of this renewed fight rippling through the civilian population adds layers of complexity to the already dire humanitarian situation within Syria, where many have been displaced since the war’s onset.
China’s embassy, traditionally supportive of Assad, advised its citizens to leave Syria, indicating even external stable allies acknowledge the increasing danger. The persistent destruction and instability are now reframing conversations around international involvement and intervention strategies.
With more than 12 million displaced from their homes and the looming threat of renewed upheaval, the fight for Hama epitomizes the broader conflict still raging since 2011. The Syrian war has left half a million people dead, shaping political, societal, and humanitarian landscapes. Ongoing discussions considering political resolutions remain distant as the country slips back toward chaos.
