Syria: Rebels seize control of Hama in a huge blow to Assad

HAMA: Opposition forces successfully took control of the strategic city of Hama in central Syria, marking a huge victory for the rebels in their ongoing campaign against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Syria has been embroiled in a 13-year long civil war with multiple factions backed by different international parties, including the United States, France, Russia and Turkey.

Read more: Syria: Government forces reclaim some territory in Hama

The government of Bashar al-Assad had managed to cling to power for years with Russian backing, but as Russia shifted its attention to its own war with Ukraine, Assad’s forces face growing threat from determined rebels.

The latest blow to Assad’s forces follows a rapid offensive that began just over a week ago. The rebels also captured Aleppo, Syria’s capital.

The fall of Hama represents a substantial setback for the Assad government and a notable shift in the civil war’s dynamics.  

The Syrian military confirmed that opposition fighters entered Hama on Thursday after intense clashes, leading to a withdrawal of government troops from the city.

The leader of the rebel forces that captured Hama, Abu Mohammad al-Julani, announced that his group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), achieved “full control” of Hama.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and allied group started an offensive last Wednesday, advancing from their strongholds in northwestern Syria.

They were able to quickly capture Aleppo, in a move that shocked the entire world. The rebels then moved on towards Hama, breaching government defenses.

The opposition forces took over Hama’s military airport, which has been utilised by the government forces for airstrikes against the different rebel factions.

The rapid decline of Assad’s control in northern Syria has raised questions about his regime’s ability to maintain its power. The situation is compounded by recent heavy losses suffered by Hezbollah, a key ally of Assad, in its conflict with Israel.

Assad has become increasingly reliant on Russian and Iranian support, allies suffering or dealing with their own issues. Russia is reportedly spending anywhere from $500 million to a $1 billion every day in its war with Ukraine, while suffering crippling sanctions by Western nations.

Iran is similarly plagued by sanctions that has wreaked its economy, with a single dollar equivalent to 42,087.5 Iranian riyal. Iran’s allies were also heavily targeted by Israel, presenting tactical challenges for transfer of weaponry, among other.

Humanitarian situation in Hama has rapidly deteriorated, however. Reports suggest many residents have fled the city amid the fighting.

Hama’s capture by the rebels can now inspire other factions to renew their own resistance and assault on Syrian government forces.

Read more: Syria: What are Turkey’s aims?

Meanwhile, Assad has been taking measures, such as doubling the salaries of soldiers by a half in an attempt to strengthen his military forces.

However, despite his regime’s efforts to reinforce its troops, the rebels have managed to repel the Syrian armed forces so far.