Rebels on a rapid advance in Syria have begun to encircle Damascus, as reported by rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani. At the same time, government forces firmly deny any withdrawal from the vicinity of the capital.
The Defense Ministry has explicitly refuted claims of military retreat, asserting that their forces remain intact around Damascus. “There is no truth to news claiming our armed forces have withdrawn from areas of the Damascus countryside,” the ministry stated.
Rebels Near Damascus
Earlier, both a war monitor and Abdel Ghani noted that rebels had advanced within 20 kilometres of Damascus as government forces retreated amid the escalating offensive.
The Syria Observatory for Human Rights reported that government forces had relinquished control of southern Daraa province and evacuated posts in Quneitra, adjacent to the Israel-annexed Golan Heights. Moreover, government troops have also withdrawn from towns merely 10 kilometres from Damascus.
Rebel Progress and Airstrikes
Abdel Ghani highlighted earlier gains, mentioning, “Our forces were able to control the Saasaa security branch in the Damascus countryside. The advance towards the capital continues.” Concurrently, air strikes and shelling by government and Russian forces killed at least seven civilians near Homs, attempting to slow the rebel momentum.
These significant rebel gains have brought them closer to President Bashar al-Assad’s stronghold, intensifying the conflict that seemed at a stalemate for a long time. As rebels capture more territory, Abdel Ghani reassured communities, particularly diverse religious sects and minorities, of their safety post-occupation, aiming to diminish fears of sectarian violence.
This reassurance is crucial as minorities have suffered in Syria’s prolonged conflict. HTS’s precursor, Al-Nusra Front, had previously targeted Assad’s Alawite minority in Homs. Presently, the army is repositioning in strategic southern regions, reflecting the intense shifts in control and influence throughout the nation.
The developments mark a critical juncture in Syria‘s civil conflict, prompting international concern and calls for peaceful resolutions to protect civilians and uphold human rights within volatile regions.
