The capture of Aleppo by rebel forces marks a significant shift in the balance of power in the Syrian conflict, raising concerns about the Assad regime's ability to maintain control over key regions.
The involvement of Iranian militias and the potential for troop deployments underscores the ongoing geopolitical stakes in Syria, with Iran, Russia, and Turkey all playing critical roles in the conflict.
The ongoing rebel advances could lead to further destabilization in Syria, potentially prompting a more aggressive military response from the Assad regime and its allies.
If the rebels successfully capture Hama, it may embolden them to push further south towards Damascus, altering the dynamics of the civil war significantly.
The Syrian conflict has escalated dramatically as rebel forces have made significant territorial gains, capturing key locations including Aleppo and advancing towards the strategically important city of Hama. The opposition forces, primarily led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have reportedly encircled Hama, prompting a counteroffensive from the Syrian army under Bashar al-Assad. In response to the escalating conflict, Assad has increased the salaries of his soldiers by 50% to bolster morale and support amid heavy fighting.
As the rebels continue their offensive, they have captured dozens of villages and military bases, including a joint base of the Syrian and Russian armies near Hama, seizing modern tanks and armored vehicles. The rebels are now reportedly only six kilometers from Hama, with plans to lay siege to the city before an all-out assault. Meanwhile, Iran has indicated its willingness to send troops to support the Assad regime, highlighting the international dimensions of the conflict.
