Syrian government forces have lost control of Daraa city, according to a war monitor, marking another setback for President Bashar al-Assad. This follows rebel groups taking control of other key cities.
Daraa is known as “the cradle of the revolution” due to its role in the early days of Syria’s civil war. In 2011, activists accused the government of detaining and torturing boys who wrote anti-Assad graffiti on their school walls.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that while Islamist-led rebel alliances captured Aleppo and Hama, local armed groups took control of Daraa. The Observatory said, “Local factions have taken control of more areas in Daraa province, including Daraa city they now control more than 90 per cent of the province, as regime forces successively pulled out.”
Daraa province shares a border with Jordan.
‘Homs must not fall’
Rebels have advanced rapidly and reached the outskirts of Syria’s Homs city, even as Lebanese militant group Hezbollah sent a small number of “supervising forces” from Lebanon to Syria overnight to help prevent anti-government fighters from seizing the strategic city of Homs.
“Homs must not fall,” a Hezbollah official was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters.
The government is attempting to reinforce its collapsing frontlines to maintain control and preserve Assad’s 24-year rule.
The rebel advance began with the capture of Aleppo a week ago, followed by swift losses for the government across Syria. In addition to Aleppo and Hama, rebels have also taken Deir al-Zor in the east and risen up in Suweida and Daraa. Videos online show rebels celebrating their gains in these areas.
The Syrian military said it is conducting airstrikes around Hama and Homs while repositioning its forces in Daraa and Suweida.
The rapid pace of events has raised concerns in Arab capitals about the potential for increased regional instability.
Islamist rebel commander addresses concerns of minorities
Hassan Abdel Ghani, a Syrian Islamist rebel commander, sought to reassure religious minorities following the takeover of key areas by an Islamist-led rebel alliance. He said, “We ask that all sects be reassured, for the era of sectarianism and tyranny has gone away forever.”
The comments came as the rebel alliance, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), advances on Homs. HTS launched its offensive on November 27, taking over areas with populations from various religious sects.
Also read: Who are Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, jihadist group behind resurgence of Syria conflict?
Syria’s Christian community has largely supported the Assad government, viewing it as a protector of minorities. Religious minorities faced persecution when the Islamic State (IS) group controlled large parts of Syria.
Homs holds strategic significance, linking the capital Damascus to the coastal regions of Latakia and Tartus, which are strongholds of Assad’s Alawite minority.
Resurgence of the Syrian civil war
The Syrian civil war began in 2011 with a government crackdown on democracy protests. The conflict has killed more than 500,000 people and displaced over half the population.
Since November 27, a rebel alliance led by HTS has launched a major offensive, capturing Aleppo, Hama, and other cities. HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani in a recent interview with CNN said, “The goal of the revolution remains the overthrow of this regime. It is our right to use all available means to achieve that goal.”
HTS, which originated as the Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda, is considered a terrorist organization by Western countries.
The rebel offensive in Syria began on the same day a ceasefire was declared in Lebanon, ending hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.
Hezbollah, a key ally of the Assad government, has played a major role in the Syrian conflict alongside Russia and Iran. The recent rebel advances have created uncertainty for Syria’s allies and raised fears of further regional instability.
