Breaking news: Major Syrian city falls as rebels push towards capital
Syrian opposition forces took control of strategic Hama city marking their biggest win in years. Their quick advance from north puts government forces in tough position while moving towards other key areas
In a quick-paced turn of events Syrian rebels seized control of Hama – a move that shakes up the whole war dynamic. The government forces pulled-out stating they wanted to “keep people safe“ and avoid street fights
The victory comes right after rebels led by Abu Mohammed al-Golani captured Aleppo about a week ago. Their southern push shows no signs of stopping as they plan to move towards Homs which sits roughly 40km away from their new position
We urge him to keep Iraq away from entering into the flames of a new war tied to what is happening in Syria
The citys capture has deep meaning – back in the early 80s it saw a brutal crackdown that killed thousands. Now Golani promises to protect all religious groups living there (including Christians in nearby Muhrada and Ismaili Muslims in Salamiya)
The war changed a lot since 2020; Assads allies got weaker with Russia busy in Ukraine and Iran-backed groups dealing with other issues. Some Iraqi fighters came to help Assad this week but rebels warn them not to get involved
In captured Aleppo rebels try to set-up their own system called the Salvation Government but face day-to-day problems with bread fuel and phone service. Turkey – which has troops in northern Syria since 16ʼ – says it had nothing to do with recent rebel wins
- Christians in Muhrada
- Ismaili Muslims in Salamiya
- Other minority groups in region
The citys location makes it super-important: its about one-third of the way from Aleppo to Damascus blocking any quick counter-attack from Assadʼs forces