Syrian Rebels Advance Towards Hama Amid Intense Fighting

Syrian rebel forces have launched a significant push into Hama, a crucial city that has remained under government control throughout the civil war. Despite fierce resistance from Syrian army forces backed by Russian airstrikes and Iran-backed militias, the rebels are gaining ground, having reached key positions near the city's east and west flanks.

Rebel commander Hassan Abdul Ghany confirmed the insurgents' progress on social media, stating that they had penetrated Hama. However, Syrian state media reported that pro-government forces had repelled an initial attack. The insurgents' efforts to enter Hama, which began on Tuesday, have resulted in heavy fighting, particularly overnight.

The city of Hama holds significant strategic importance, lying on the path between Aleppo and Damascus. Its capture by the rebels could open the way to further advances, potentially leading to the fall of Homs, a key central city in Syria. Additionally, Hama’s proximity to towns with large minority communities, such as Muhrada (home to many Christians) and Salamiya (home to many Ismaili Muslims), adds to its strategic value.

The most powerful rebel faction involved in the fighting is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a militant Sunni Islamist group that was once affiliated with al-Qaeda. HTS has been consolidating control over Aleppo, the largest city in Syria prior to the war, after its fighters retook the city last week. HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani recently visited Aleppo’s historic citadel, a symbolic gesture following the group’s expulsion from the city in 2016.

Russian and Iranian Support for Assad

Russia and Iran have been instrumental in propping up President Bashar al-Assad's regime, playing a central role in recapturing most of Syria's territory. Russian airstrikes have intensified over the past week, targeting rebel-held areas in northern Syria. In addition, Iran-backed militia groups from Iraq have reinforced the front lines. Despite these efforts, Russia’s involvement in the Syrian conflict is complicated by its ongoing war in Ukraine, and Iran’s Hezbollah forces have faced heavy losses to Israel in recent months.

The ongoing conflict in Syria is also part of a larger regional power struggle involving Iran’s "Axis of Resistance," which includes Syria, Hezbollah, and other allied groups. Iranian officials have expressed concerns that the rebel push is part of a broader destabilization effort orchestrated by the United States and Israel, with the aim of weakening Syria and its allies in the region.