Rebels advance in Syria: Homs on the brink amidst heavy clashes
The rebels have reported reaching the outskirts of the city of Homs in the west of the country and have taken control of the southern city of Daraa. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), at least 20 civilians have been killed in attacks by government forces and their Russian allies on the outskirts of Homs.
Rebels in Syria are continuing their offensive, capturing additional strategic points. "Our forces have liberated the last village on the outskirts of the city of Homs and are now on its walls," announced the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) on social media.
Over the past week, the rebels have captured territories including Aleppo and Hama. Their actions aim to cut off Damascus from the coast, where Russian bases are situated.
Russia is supporting Bashar al-Assad's regime by conducting airstrikes on rebel-occupied cities. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 20 civilians have been killed in attacks on the outskirts of Homs.
The rebels urged soldiers of Assad's regime to defect, offering them a final opportunity to leave Homs. "Our forces ... are now on its walls," emphasised HTS representatives.
Bloody clashes in Syria. More than 700 have already died
On Friday evening, the rebels took control of the city of Daraa in the south of the country. An agreement was reached with Assad's forces, allowing them a controlled retreat to Damascus, reported Reuters.
The current fighting represents the most serious clashes in Syria since 2020. In just over a week, more than 700 people have died, including over 100 civilians. The UN reports 370,000 refugees.
In the north of the country, the Syrian National Army (SNA) is fighting against the government army and the Western-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF reported having taken control of Deir ez-Zor, the largest city in the east of the country. In the south, government forces clashed with Druze militias.
