Beirut: On Tuesday, Syrian rebel forces pressed toward the strategically significant city of Hama after capturing Aleppo last week, a development that dealt a blow to President Bashar al-Assad's hold on power. According to rebel sources and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, insurgents seized key villages, including Maar Shahur, just a few miles north of Hama. Syrian state media confirmed the arrival of reinforcements to counter the rebel offensive.
An assault on Hama would mark a major escalation against Assad, who has relied heavily on support from Russia and Iran. Both allies are now scrambling to shore up his position. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi hinted that Tehran might send troops to Syria if requested, while Russian President Vladimir Putin called for an end to what he termed "terrorist aggression" in the country. Meanwhile, Iraq's Prime Minister Shia al-Sudani criticized Israeli military actions in Syria, suggesting they had indirectly facilitated the rebel advances.
The situation is further complicated by battles in northeastern Syria, where U.S.-backed Kurdish forces have clashed with Syrian government troops, opening a new front along a critical supply corridor. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced they had taken control of seven villages previously held by Assad’s forces, intensifying the conflict.
The recent capture of Aleppo, Syria's largest city before the war, represents the most significant rebel offensive in years. While Assad's forces, bolstered by Russian airpower and Iranian militias, had regained much of the country since 2020, shifting global priorities have weakened their position. Russia's focus on its war in Ukraine and Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah leaders have disrupted Assad's support network.
As the conflict escalates, airstrikes by Russian and Syrian warplanes have pummeled rebel-held areas, reportedly targeting hospitals and civilian infrastructure. Rebel sources claim Iran-backed militias are among their opponents near Hama, while reinforcements from Iraq have entered Syria to aid government forces. Despite these efforts, the rebels have seized strategic territory, adding to Assad's challenges.
The renewed fighting in Syria underscores the complex geopolitical stakes, with multiple players including the U.S., Russia, Iran, and Turkey involved. The SDF, Turkey, and other factions are vying for control of key areas, further fracturing the battlefield. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with a meeting of foreign ministers from Iran, Turkey, and Russia planned in Doha to address the spiraling conflict.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes have continued to target Iran-backed forces in Syria. Hezbollah confirmed the death of a senior operative near Damascus in one such strike on Tuesday, highlighting the volatile dynamics of the region.