December 6, 2024
In a major blow to the Syrian government, US-backed Kurdish forces have seized control of Deir ez-Zor, a strategic city in eastern Syria, as President Bashar al-Assad’s regime faces mounting pressure on multiple fronts. At the same time, the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has launched a lightning offensive against government forces, threatening to capture Homs, the country’s third-largest city.
Kurdish Victory in Deir ez-Zor
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), supported by US airpower, announced the capture of Deir ez-Zor after days of intense fighting. The city, located in an oil-rich region, is a key economic and logistical asset, and its loss is a significant setback for Assad’s embattled government.
“This victory is a turning point in our struggle to liberate Syria from oppression,” an SDF spokesperson said. “Deir ez-Zor’s liberation not only weakens the regime but also denies extremist groups a stronghold in this region.”
The SDF’s control over Deir ez-Zor consolidates their dominance in eastern Syria, where they have maintained a semi-autonomous administration since the early years of the civil war.
HTS Advances Toward Homs
Meanwhile, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an Islamist group with roots in al-Qaeda, has launched a rapid offensive against Assad’s forces in central Syria. HTS fighters are reportedly closing in on Homs, a city of immense strategic and symbolic significance.
“The fall of Homs would be catastrophic for the regime,” said Lina al-Khouri, a Syrian political analyst. “It would sever key supply routes between Damascus and the north and further isolate Assad’s remaining strongholds.”
Reports indicate that HTS’s advance has been bolstered by defections within the Syrian army and the capture of advanced weaponry. Civilians in Homs, already battered by years of war, are bracing for yet another humanitarian crisis.
Assad’s Waning Grip on Power
The dual offensives highlight the precarious state of Assad’s regime, which now controls only a fraction of Syrian territory. With Iran and Russia scaling back their support due to international sanctions and resource constraints, Assad’s ability to hold the line is diminishing.
“The regime is hanging by a thread,” said Dr. Ahmed Suleiman, a Middle East expert. “Its losses in Deir ez-Zor and the threat to Homs could mark the beginning of the end for Assad’s rule.”
US and International Implications
The US has welcomed the SDF’s success in Deir ez-Zor as part of its broader strategy to combat extremist forces and curtail Iran’s influence in Syria. However, Washington remains wary of HTS’s resurgence, given the group’s extremist ideology and past ties to terrorism.
“The situation in Syria is becoming increasingly fragmented,” said a US State Department official. “While we support our partners in the fight against tyranny, we cannot ignore the risks posed by groups like HTS.”
International observers are also concerned about the humanitarian toll of the escalating conflict. The UN has called for an immediate ceasefire to allow aid to reach civilians in Deir ez-Zor, Homs, and other affected areas.
A Country in Turmoil
As Syria’s civil war drags into its thirteenth year, the latest developments underscore the fractured nature of the conflict. With Assad’s regime on the brink, the future of Syria remains uncertain, marked by competing factions and the ever-present threat of extremist resurgence.
For the people of Syria, the battles in Deir ez-Zor and Homs are yet another chapter in a devastating war that has displaced millions and claimed countless lives. As the fighting intensifies, the hope for peace seems as elusive as ever.
This article is part of our continuing coverage of the Syrian conflict and its global implications.
