Syria: Government forces reclaim some territory in Hama

HAMA: Government forces in Syria successfully recaptured several key positions in the Hama region, in a decade-long civil war that decimated the Middle Eastern country for years.

The Syrian Civil War has been ongoing since 2011, with reports of up to 600,000 people having perished during the 13-year long conflict.

Read more: At least 25 killed as bombing of Syrian rebel territory intensifies

The civil war began as part of the broader Arab Spring movement, with citizens across the Mideast calling for political and a more democratic form of government.

Syrians peacefully protested, demanding political reforms and the resignation of long-reigning Presdient, Bashar al-Assad.

What began as a peaceful protest quickly escalated into a complex civil war involving multiple factions and international stakeholders.

The civil war worsened as foreign powers got involved, with Russia supporting Assad’s government, while France, Turkey and the United States each supported their own factions.

In most recent conflict within the broader civil war, rebels (Free Syrian Army) launched a surprise attack and were able to capture most parts of Aleppo, Syria’s capital.

Several Syrian and even an Iranian general were killed by the victorious rebels. This forced the Syrian president to appeal to his long-time ally, for help.

Meanwhile, Russia is caught up in its own war with Ukraine, that has been dragging on for two years now.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with fellow Syrian government-ally, Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss the situation.

The Kremlin talked in detail the necessity of unreserved support for the Syrian government initiatives aimed at restoring stability in the country.

Meanwhile, the Iranian President described the latest developments in Syria as part of a ‘dangerous scheme’ orchestrated allegedly by the United States and Israel.

Masoud Pezeshkian claimed that the current takeover by the Syrian army revels was intended to benefit the “Zionist state” in the Middle East.

He expressed confidence that such plans would be countered thorugh cooperation and solidarity among regional nations.

Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi’s recent visit to Turkey further shows the ongoing diplomatic maneuvers surrounding the Syrian crisis.

During the visit, Turkey and Iran reached an agreement to work together on diplomatic initiatives alongside Russia.  

The Turkish Foreign Minsiter urged Bashar al-Assad to seek reconciliation with his populace and engage in discussions with the opposition groups.

Turkey has been a prominent backer of various rebel factions opposing Assad regime, in particular against the Kurd factions as Turkey fears civil war erupting within the Kurd-majority areas within its own borders.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Secretary-General also released a statement concerning the situation in Syria. He called on all parties to halt hostilities and ensure the safe evacuation of civilians from conflict-laden areas.

The UN has consistently called for humanitarian  access and the safeguarding  of civilians amid ongoing violence.

Read more: Iraqi fighters enter Syria to fight Syrian rebels who seized Aleppo

The European Union similarly reiterated its commitment  to protecting civilians and reducing tensions in Syria. Even as the United States hinted that sanctions against the Asad regime will continue.