Syrian opposition forces have reportedly seized control of Daraa, a city in southwestern Syria, bringing them closer to Damascus. This marks a pivotal moment in the Syrian civil war as rebels now advance from both the north and south, aiming to encircle the capital. Daraa is particularly symbolic, being the birthplace of the 2011 uprising. The Southern Operations Room, a coalition of local rebel fighters, has claimed to secure the city’s neighborhoods and government buildings. However, the Syrian Defense Ministry has not yet confirmed these reports of rebel control.
The situation in southern Syria contrasts with the progress of rebels in the north, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). In just over a week, HTS has captured key cities, including Aleppo and Hama, pushing forward along the M5 highway. Although these factions are distinct, they share the same goal: toppling President Bashar al-Assad. The recent offensive has revived the civil war, which began after Assad’s violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests. What started as a domestic uprising has since become a proxy war involving international powers like Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S.
The rebel advance continues as they capture significant infrastructure, including the Nassib border crossing, which is a crucial point on the M5 highway connecting the northern and southern parts of Syria. This marks another blow to Assad’s regime. The rebels in the north, having secured Aleppo and Hama, are now focused on Homs, a strategic city that could split the regime-controlled areas into two. Kurdish forces in the northeast, who have gained autonomy during the conflict, are concerned that the growing rebel violence may spill over into their territories, even though the rebels primarily target Assad’s regime.
Syrian Rebels Seize Daraa as Opposition Forces Close In on Damascus from North and South
In addition to territorial gains, the rebel offensive has prompted a large-scale displacement of civilians, particularly from Homs. Videos show hundreds of vehicles evacuating the city as residents prepare for a potential assault. The rebels, emboldened by their recent successes, are now targeting Homs, hoping to capture the city and further weaken Assad’s control. Rebel leaders have called on regime forces to defect, offering them a chance to join the opposition as they move closer to Homs.
The opposition’s rapid progress has been met with celebrations in the cities they’ve captured, with residents welcoming the rebels as liberators. In Hama, rebels freed hundreds of detainees from a central prison and cheered in disbelief at their swift victories. HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani emphasized that the ultimate goal remains the overthrow of Assad, expressing confidence that the regime is on the verge of collapse. He rejected the notion that international support for Assad, particularly from Russia and Iran, could sustain the regime in the long run.
The situation has raised alarm among neighboring countries. Iran, Iraq, and Syria issued a joint statement warning that the rebel advances pose a significant threat to regional stability. Israel has placed its military forces on high alert, prepared for any spillover of violence from Syria. The U.S. has also warned its citizens to leave Syria, citing the volatile security situation. As the conflict intensifies, international powers continue to monitor the shifting dynamics of the Syrian war, with concerns about its broader impact on the region.
