Al-Julani's Announcement on Hama's Liberation
Abu Muhammad al-Julani, a prominent leader in the Joint Operations Administration of the Syrian opposition, declared on December 5, 2024, that opposition forces have successfully entered the city of Hama. In a video message shared via Telegram, he expressed hope for a peaceful victory, stating, "I give you good news that your revolutionary mujahideen brothers have begun entering the city of Hama to cleanse that wound that has persisted in Syria for 40 years." This marks a significant development in the ongoing Syrian conflict, as Hama is the fourth largest city in Syria and has been a focal point of resistance against the Assad regime.
Strategic Implications of Hama's Fall
The Syrian army has acknowledged its loss of Hama, attributing it to intense confrontations with opposition groups. The military stated that its units have redeployed outside the city. The fall of Hama, following the recent loss of Aleppo, represents a considerable setback for President Bashar al-Assad, who has relied on support from Russia and Iran to maintain control over much of Syria. Historically, Hama has been a site of significant violence, notably during the 1982 uprising when thousands were killed under Hafez al-Assad's regime.
Al-Julani's Message to Iraq
In addition to addressing the situation in Hama, al-Julani urged Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani to prevent the Popular Mobilization Forces from intervening in Syria. He emphasized the importance of keeping Iraq out of the escalating conflict, stating, "We hope and wish that Iraqi politicians... will keep Iraq away from entering into such quarrels." The Popular Mobilization Forces have denied any current deployment in Syria, asserting that any action would require orders from their leadership.
