Syrian Army's Strategic Failures Amid Opposition Advances
Recent developments in the Syrian conflict have highlighted significant deficiencies in the Syrian army's preparedness to confront the armed opposition. Military expert Brigadier General Elias Hanna noted that the collapse of strategic support lines and the lack of effective defensive plans have resulted in the loss of control over critical areas. The rapid movement of opposition forces from Aleppo to Saraqib and onward to Hama has caught the Syrian army off guard, particularly as this route had not seen decisive battles previously.
Hanna emphasized that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) gaining control of the Albukamal crossing has effectively severed supply routes from Iraq and Iran, further isolating the Assad regime and diminishing its capacity to reinforce its troops. The loss of Hama city marks a significant strategic failure for the Ministry of Defense, especially in light of the Defense Minister's comments on
which suggest an attempt to establish a new defensive line following this setback.
Tactical Intelligence and Ground Coordination Issues
The expert pointed out that the rapid advances of opposition forces reveal a critical flaw in the army's tactical intelligence. The Syrian army failed to anticipate these movements and did not develop alternative strategies to safeguard vulnerable areas. The lack of proactive defensive measures, such as destroying bridges and supply lines during retreats, contributed to the swift collapse of their positions.
Hanna highlighted the strategic importance of Homs, which serves as a key junction connecting several major routes, including the M1 highway leading to Tartous, home to a significant naval base. He criticized the decision to rely on the Russian Air Force to bomb the Rastan Bridge instead of employing traditional demolition methods, indicating a lack of coordination and confusion within the army.
The Role of External Support and Ground Forces
While air strikes can provide support, Hanna stressed that they cannot secure victories without a cohesive ground force, as previously demonstrated by the involvement of Hezbollah and Iranian militias. The current absence of these ground forces has severely weakened the Syrian army's ability to withstand the rapid advances of opposition fighters. Despite attempts by Iran to bolster support through drones and satellite reconnaissance, this assistance remains inadequate without qualified ground troops to defend critical sites.
The Syrian armed opposition has successfully taken control of Rastan and Talbiseh in the northern Homs countryside and is advancing towards the outskirts of Homs city. In response, the Syrian army has resorted to destroying the Rastan bridge to hinder the opposition's progress towards the city.
