Syria conflict/ Damascus suburbs/ Bashar al-Assad/ rebel offensive/ UN peace talks/ Homs battle/ Iran withdrawal/ HTS/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Syrian insurgents have reached the suburbs of Damascus for the first time since 2018, marking a significant advance in their stunning offensive. Opposition forces now control major cities, including Aleppo and Hama, as the government scrambles to defend the capital and Homs. The UN has called for urgent peace talks amid fears of a broader collapse of Assad’s regime, which is increasingly isolated without significant support from Russia, Iran, or Hezbollah.
Syrian Rebels Push Toward Damascus: Quick Looks
- Rebels Advance: Opposition forces control key cities and now threaten Damascus and Homs.
- UN’s Call: UN envoy Geir Pedersen urges immediate talks in Geneva for a political transition.
- Assad’s Denial: State media dismiss rumors of Assad fleeing, claiming he remains in the capital.
- Iran Withdraws: Iranian advisors and fighters reportedly retreat amid escalating violence.
- Strategic Losses: Syrian forces lose border crossings, jeopardizing Iran’s supply routes.
Syrian Rebels Reach the Capital Damascus, Assad Denies Fleeing Country
Deep Look
Rebels Reach Damascus Suburbs
In a shocking development, Syrian insurgents have advanced to the suburbs of Damascus for the first time in six years. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported opposition fighters active in Maadamiyah, Jaramana, and Daraya, with additional forces moving toward Harasta.
Hassan Abdul-Ghani, a commander of the insurgents, announced the launch of the “final stage” to encircle the capital. This marks a major turning point in the conflict, with President Bashar al-Assad’s government facing one of its greatest threats since the war began in 2011.
Homs: The Next Battleground
The Syrian military has shifted its focus to defending Homs, a critical city that connects Damascus to Assad’s strongholds along the Mediterranean coast. Losing Homs would sever key supply lines and weaken the government’s ability to coordinate defenses.
The military is reportedly deploying reinforcements to Homs after withdrawing from much of southern Syria, including Daraa and Sweida. The latter two cities fell to rebels early Saturday, completing the opposition’s near-total control of Syria’s south.
UN Calls for Urgent Peace Talks
Amid the escalating conflict, UN envoy Geir Pedersen has called for immediate talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” The proposed talks would focus on implementing UN Resolution 2254, which outlines a roadmap for a transitional government, a new constitution, and UN-supervised elections.
“The need for a political transition has never been more urgent,” Pedersen emphasized, warning of further chaos if negotiations are delayed.
Assad Isolated and Under Pressure
As insurgents close in on Damascus, state media denied rumors circulating on social media that Assad had fled the country. Officials insist he remains in the capital, performing his duties as president.
The rapid rebel advances highlight Assad’s increasing isolation. Traditional allies like Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah are constrained by other conflicts or diminished capabilities.
- Russia: Focused on its war in Ukraine and unable to provide substantial reinforcements.
- Iran: Regular airstrikes by Israel have weakened Iran-backed forces in Syria, and Iranian military advisors have reportedly begun withdrawing.
- Hezbollah: Engaged in a prolonged conflict with Israel, limiting its ability to support Assad.
Rebel Momentum and Strategic Gains
Rebels have also taken key border crossings, including Naseeb with Jordan and parts of Deir el-Zour near Iraq. These losses disrupt Iran’s supply corridor linking the Mediterranean to Tehran, further isolating Assad’s forces.
Regional Concerns and International Diplomacy
The insurgents’ rapid gains have alarmed regional powers. Qatar’s foreign minister criticized Assad for failing to address Syria’s internal problems during a period of relative calm in recent years. He warned that Syria’s territorial integrity is at risk without urgent international action.
Meanwhile, foreign ministers from Iran, Russia, and Turkey are meeting in Doha to discuss the crisis. Turkey, a staunch supporter of the rebels, has called for immediate efforts to prevent further escalation.
What’s Next for Syria?
With rebels on the doorstep of Damascus and a pivotal battle looming in Homs, Syria faces an uncertain future. The government’s remaining strongholds are shrinking, and its ability to regroup is limited by its strained alliances and dwindling resources.
The international community, led by the UN, is pushing for a political solution, but the window for diplomacy may close quickly if fighting intensifies. For now, all eyes are on the Damascus suburbs and Homs, where the fate of Assad’s regime could be decided.
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