Syrian rebel coalition seizes Hama after capturing Aleppo in surprise offensive

Syrian rebels capture Hama in fresh blow to Assad

Days after insurgents led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) took control of Aleppo, Syria‘s second-largest city, the rebel coalition has now seized Hama, another strategic city, dealing a significant blow to the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. This marks the first major escalation in Syria’s civil war in years, reigniting tensions in the 13-year conflict.

Rebels advance through Hama without resistance

The HTS-led coalition entered Hama’s eastern suburbs on Thursday morning and swiftly advanced westward. By the afternoon, government forces had withdrawn, leaving the rebels in control of key areas, including the Hama Governor’s Palace. Videos circulating online show militants celebrating inside the palace, with no evidence of resistance from the Syrian Arab Army (SAA), which abandoned the site without a fight.

The swift capture of Hama follows the rebels’ surprise offensive that began last Wednesday, forcing Syrian forces to retreat and reorganize. Rebel forces turned southward toward Hama after securing Aleppo earlier in the week, marking their first return to the city since the government recaptured it in 2016.

The Aleppo offensive: A prelude to the Hama takeover

The resurgence of Syrian opposition forces began with a surprise attack on Aleppo, a city critical to Assad’s regime and previously a stronghold of government control. The rebels’ entry into Aleppo triggered intense clashes, with dozens of Syrian soldiers reportedly killed. The recapture of Aleppo by government forces in 2016 was a turning point in the civil war, making this recent offensive particularly symbolic for the opposition.

The escalating conflict

The current offensive represents the most significant challenge to Assad’s regime in years. The SAA described their withdrawal from Aleppo as “temporary,” but the rapid loss of Hama highlights the rebels’ growing momentum. The offensive has sparked renewed violence in a country already ravaged by years of war, displacing thousands and threatening fragile stability.

President Assad, who has ruled Syria since 2000, responded to the developments with a defiant statement on Sunday, vowing to “defend Syria’s stability and territorial integrity in the face of terrorists and their supporters.” Despite these assurances, the government’s inability to hold key cities underscores its vulnerability in the face of a resurgent opposition.

A brief history of Syria’s civil war

Syria’s civil war began in 2011 as part of the Arab Spring uprisings. Initially a series of anti-government protests, the conflict escalated into a full-scale war involving multiple factions, including rebel groups, Islamist factions, and foreign powers. By 2016, Assad’s government—with support from Russia and Iran—had regained control of most major urban centers, including Aleppo. However, regions in the north and northwest have remained contested, with HTS emerging as a dominant force in recent years.

What lies ahead

The fall of Aleppo and Hama to rebel forces raises questions about Assad’s grip on power and the future trajectory of the conflict. The recent offensive has reignited fears of prolonged violence and further destabilization in the region. With the rebels demonstrating renewed strength, international observers are closely watching for possible responses from Assad’s allies, including Russia and Iran.

The situation remains fluid, with the potential for more significant developments as both sides prepare for the next conflict phase.

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