Syrian government forces abandoned the key city of Homs on Saturday after less than a day of fighting, leaving President Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year rule hanging by a thread. Insurgents seized almost entire southwest in 24 hours and advanced towards Damascus, posing an immediate existential danger to the Assad dynasty.
The fall of Homs cuts off Damascus from the coastal stronghold of Assad’s minority Alawite sect, and from Russia’s air and naval base. Rebels claimed they were entering the city centre, where thousands celebrated. Insurgents also captured central prison, freeing thousands of detainees, while state security personnel evacuated their offices after burning papers.
In a statement, Abu Mohammed al-Golani said rebels were on the cusp of taking the whole country and “the end of the criminal regime is near”. Foreign officials told Reuters that Assad’s government may be on the verge of collapse, with some predicting its demise within five to 10 days or as early as this week.
The rapid collapse of government control in the south poses a risk of a concerted assault on the capital, where residents reported electricity cut out. The Syrian military regrouped around 30 km from Damascus, while protesters pulled down a statue of Hafez al-Assad, the president’s father, in southern suburb Jarmana.
Russia has been focused on its war in Ukraine since 2022, limiting its ability to support Assad. However, Iran is prepared to send forces, with Hezbollah and Iraqi militias being key allies. Western officials warned that Britain would take “appropriate action” if any chemical weapons were used by the Syrian government.
The crisis has raised alarm among Arab capitals and regional powers, leading to a joint statement calling for a political solution. Despite this, the situation in Syria is rapidly changing, with millions of refugees already displaced by the conflict.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/syrian-rebels-seize-fourth-city-close-homs-threat-assads-rule-2024-12-07