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Syrian Insurgents Push Toward Hama Amid Fierce Clashes

Syria conflict/ Hama insurgent advance/ Syrian government counteroffensive/ Turkish role in Syria/ humanitarian crisis/ HTS offensive/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Syrian insurgents captured four towns near Hama, intensifying their offensive in central Syria. The government recaptured some territories with heavy Russian airstrikes amid escalating violence. Turkey’s president emphasized political reconciliation, while aid groups warned of worsening civilian conditions.

Syrian opposition fighters take pictures in the outskirts of of Hama, Syria, Tuesday Dec. 3, 2024.(AP Photo/Ghaith Alsayed)

Syrian Conflict Intensifies: Quick Looks

  • Insurgents Advance: Four towns near Hama captured, rebels move within 6 miles of the city.
  • Government Counteroffensive: Syrian and Russian forces launch intense airstrikes, retaking Khanaser village.
  • Civilians Impacted: Aid groups report food shortages, rising casualties, and displaced families.
  • Turkey’s Role: Erdogan calls for political solutions and security against Kurdish forces.
  • Wider Offensive: Insurgents gain ground in Aleppo and Idlib provinces.
  • Opposition Strategy: HTS vows to liberate more cities, pushing southward toward Damascus.

Syrian Insurgents Push Toward Hama Amid Fierce Clashes

Deep Look

Rebel Advances in Central Syria

Syrian insurgents captured four strategic towns near Hama on Tuesday, marking a significant step in their offensive against President Bashar Assad’s forces. Opposition groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Turkey-backed fighters advanced within 10 kilometers (6 miles) of Hama, Syria’s fourth-largest city. Activists reported that insurgents have killed 50 government troops and seized 14 towns, including Halfaya, Taybat al-Imam, Maardis, and Soran.

Abu Abdo al Hamawi, a fighter with HTS, declared their intention to move southward, targeting major cities like Homs and Damascus. “We aim to liberate Syria entirely,” he said, reinforcing the rebels’ long-term objectives.

Government Forces Strike Back

Syrian government forces launched a counteroffensive, reclaiming Khanaser village days after losing it. Khanaser, a critical route to Aleppo, saw fierce battles supported by intense Syrian and Russian airstrikes. State media highlighted ongoing efforts to reinforce military positions in the central region. Meanwhile, both pro-government outlets and the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed the escalating conflict.

Humanitarian Concerns Rise

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) warned of worsening conditions for civilians. “The recent escalation threatens to drag Syria back into the darkest days of its near 14-year conflict,” said Angelita Caredda, NRC’s regional director. Thousands of families have been displaced, and access to food is increasingly scarce. Aid organizations urged all parties to adhere to international laws to mitigate civilian harm.

Turkey’s Strategic Role

Turkey, a primary backer of opposition forces, called for political reconciliation in Syria. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated the need for Syria’s government to engage in meaningful dialogue to prevent further deterioration. Turkey continues to prioritize Syria’s territorial integrity while addressing threats from Kurdish militant groups near its border.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan echoed Erdogan’s sentiments, stating that Assad must “reconcile with his people” and engage with the opposition. However, Assad’s government maintains that all armed groups opposing the regime are terrorists, rejecting any political negotiations.

Kurdish Tensions and U.S. Role

To the east, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) claimed to have captured seven villages near a U.S. military base close to Iraq. However, Syrian state media denied the claim, asserting that government troops repelled the attack. These areas are of strategic importance due to their proximity to U.S. forces and Kurdish militant strongholds, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.

Turkey, which views the SDF as a terrorist organization, has taken measures to prevent Kurdish groups from capitalizing on the escalating conflict. Ankara’s push for normalizing relations with Assad’s regime is partly aimed at addressing Kurdish threats and facilitating the return of over 3 million Syrian refugees.

Insurgents’ Wider Offensive

Beyond Hama, insurgents have made substantial gains in other regions, including Aleppo and Idlib provinces. Over the past week, they seized control of significant areas in southern Idlib and northern Aleppo, showcasing their operational momentum.

State media reported intense fighting across these regions, with Syrian and Russian forces deploying airstrikes to halt the rebel advance. However, opposition groups have maintained their pressure, bolstered by Turkey’s support and favorable terrain.

Looking Ahead

The situation in Syria remains highly volatile as government forces and insurgents vie for control of critical territories. The international community, particularly aid organizations and neighboring countries like Turkey, continues to stress the importance of political solutions to avoid further destabilization. Meanwhile, civilians bear the brunt of the conflict, with displacement, food shortages, and rising casualties highlighting the dire need for humanitarian assistance.

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