Syrian Rebels Surround Strategic City of Hama After Aleppo Takeover
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- 05 Dec 2024
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Syrian rebels have encircled the key central city of Hama from three sides, according to reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. This development comes despite a counteroffensive launched by government forces aimed at retaining control of the city, which is crucial for the regime of President Bashar al-Assad in safeguarding the capital, Damascus.
Hama's strategic location in central Syria makes it vital for the Assad regime, particularly following the recent loss of Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city, to Islamist-led rebels. The rebels are reportedly positioned just three to four kilometers (1.9 to 2.5 miles) from Hama, with government forces left with only one exit route towards Homs to the south.
The fighting around Hama has intensified, contrasting with the earlier phases of the rebel offensive, which saw rapid territorial gains with minimal resistance. The head of the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, recently visited Aleppo’s historic citadel, signaling the group's confidence following their recent victories.
Residents in Hama have reported terrifying conditions, with continuous bombing audible throughout the city. One local, Wassim, a 36-year-old delivery driver, expressed his fear and helplessness, stating, “I’ll stay home because I have nowhere else to flee to.”
In response to the escalating situation, Assad has ordered a 50% pay raise for career soldiers, as reported by state news agency Sana, in an effort to bolster his forces for the counteroffensive. The government has also deployed large military convoys to Hama, including tanks, weapons, and soldiers, with support from Russian and Iranian military advisors.
The ongoing violence has resulted in significant casualties, with the Observatory reporting 704 deaths, including 110 civilians. The UN has indicated that approximately 115,000 people have been newly displaced across Idlib and northern Aleppo due to the fighting. Human Rights Watch has raised concerns about potential abuses against civilians by both opposition armed groups and the Syrian government.
The conflict has drawn in various international players, with Russia and Iran backing Assad, while Turkey supports the opposition. Moscow has stated that it is in "close contact" with both Iran and Turkey regarding the situation in Syria. The recent escalation in violence follows a period of relative stagnation in the conflict, with analysts suggesting that the underlying issues have never been fully resolved.
HTS, which has roots in Syria’s al-Qaida branch, is leading the rebel alliance. Experts warn that while the group is well-organized and ideologically driven, it may struggle to maintain control over the newly acquired territories and govern them effectively. Rim Turkmani, director of the Syria conflict research program at the London School of Economics, noted that the rapid expansion of HTS could soon exceed their capacity to manage the areas they have taken.
As the situation in Hama continues to develop, the potential for further violence and humanitarian crises remains high, with both sides facing scrutiny for their actions during this protracted conflict.
