Islamist insurgents have seized control of teh Syrian city of hama, marking a significant challenge to Bashar al-Assad’s grip on power. The victory for Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militants comes after five days of intense fighting that saw them surround the strategically vital city.
HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani addressed the people of Hama, stating, “This victory will be without revenge and merciful.”
Initially,the Syrian defense ministry denied the insurgents’ entry,claiming their defensive lines were impenetrable. However, as fighting intensified and drew closer to the city center, the syrian army announced a strategic withdrawal to protect civilians.
Hama, situated on a key highway leading to the capital, Damascus, has a history of resistance against Assad’s regime. the city witnessed mass uprisings in 2011 and fierce battles during the ensuing civil war as opposition forces attempted to wrest control.
Hama is also infamous for a brutal massacre in 1982, when forces loyal to Assad’s father, Hafez al-Assad, besieged the city to quell a Sunni Muslim uprising.
This latest offensive by HTS has resulted in significant losses for Assad,including the fall of Aleppo,Syria’s second-largest city,and vast swathes of territory in the northeast. These setbacks appear to have unsettled Assad’s allies in Moscow and Tehran.
Russia, preoccupied with its invasion of Ukraine, and Iran, facing increased israeli airstrikes on Syrian soil, are both reportedly concerned about the unfolding situation. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow is “closely monitoring” events in Syria and will assess the need for further assistance to the Syrian government.
The fall of hama represents a major turning point in the Syrian conflict, raising questions about the future of Assad’s regime and the potential for further instability in the region.
The seizure of Aleppo and Hama by HTS has sent shockwaves through the international community, with many analysts predicting a potential resurgence of the Syrian civil war.
The Syrian regime is facing a significant challenge as a new insurgent offensive gains momentum, leaving president Bashar al-Assad’s forces struggling to maintain control.Experts warn that the regime appears ill-equipped to counter this latest threat, raising concerns about the future stability of the war-torn nation.
“The Syrian regime was completely unprepared for this offensive,” said a source familiar with the situation.
Reports indicate a surge in desertions from the Syrian army, with soldiers abandoning their posts amid the intensifying fighting. In an attempt to bolster morale and retain personnel, assad recently issued a decree increasing military salaries by 50%.
However, analysts suggest that even this measure may not be enough to stem the tide. According to Charles Lister, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, military support from key allies Iran and Russia has been noticeably scaled back compared to previous phases of the Syrian conflict.
“I think it’s hard to see a scenario where forces loyal to the regime in Damascus can regain momentum,” Lister said. “Even if the Russians and iranian or Iranian-backed forces get more involved, they’re still limited by their own wars. It feels unlikely to reach the level of support we’ve seen previously.”
The situation in Syria remains highly volatile,with the outcome of this latest offensive hanging in the balance. The international community watches closely,concerned about the potential for further destabilization and the humanitarian consequences for the Syrian people.
## HTS Seizes Hama: A Turning Point in the Syrian Conflict?
**An Expert Interview with Dr. Anya Petrova, Senior fellow at the Institute for Middle Eastern Studies**
**World Today News:** Dr.Petrova, HTS, a designated terrorist organization by many countries, has just seized control of Hama, a strategically vital city in Syria. What does this victory signify for the Syrian conflict and Bashar al-Assad’s regime?
**Dr. Petrova:** This is undoubtedly a major setback for Assad. Hama is not just a city; its a symbol of resistance against his rule.Its seizure by HTS, coming after the loss of Aleppo and large swathes of territory in the northeast, indicates a meaningful momentum shift in the conflict.
**World Today News:** HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani has promised a “merciful” rule in Hama.Can we believe these assurances, given HTS’s history and ties to al-qaeda?
**dr. Petrova:** While al-Jolani’s statement might seem reassuring, it’s crucial to approach it with caution. HTS has, in the past, implemented strict interpretations of Islamic law in areas under its control. Whether this “mercy” will translate into genuine stability and respect for human rights remains to be seen.
**World Today News:** How do you think Assad’s allies, Russia and Iran, will react to this latest advancement?
**Dr. Petrova:** This news will undoubtedly raise concerns in Moscow and Tehran. Their support for Assad has been instrumental in keeping him afloat, but continued losses on this scale put their strategic investments at risk. We might see increased russian airstrikes or a stronger Iranian military presence, as they attempt to salvage the situation.
**World Today News:** Hama has a dark history, marked by a brutal massacre in 1982 under Hafez al-Assad. Does this latest takeover rekindle old wounds and potentially fuel sectarian tensions?
**Dr. Petrova:** Absolutely. The 1982 massacre is a deeply traumatic event for the people of Hama, particularly the Sunni population.HTS capitalizing on this history to consolidate power could very well inflame existing sectarian divisions and lead to further bloodshed.
**World Today News:** Looking ahead, what are the potential consequences of HTS controlling Hama?
**Dr. Petrova:** The immediate consequences are likely to be instability and fear.HTS’s rule will likely be characterized by strict social controls and a crackdown on dissent. In the long term, however, this capture could lead to a further fragmentation of Syria, with HTS controlling a significant portion of the country and potentially becoming a sanctioned haven for extremist groups.
**World Today News:** Dr. Petrova, thank you for your insights on this complex and evolving situation.
**Dr. Petrova:** You’re welcome. The situation in Syria remains deeply volatile, and the international community must engage in comprehensive efforts to prevent further violence and find a lasting solution to the conflict.
