Jihadist rebel group advances towards the south of the country; objective is the city of Homs, about 160 km from the capital Damascus
The rebel coalition led by the jihadist group HTS (Hayet Tahrir al-Sham) continues its advance towards southern Syria. The objective is to reach the city of Homs, about 160 km from the capital Damascus, where thousands of people fled due to the rebel approach. HTS has already taken control of the cities of Aleppo and Hama to reach Homs.
The has data showing estimated control of Syrian territory. In yellow are al-Assad government forces. In blue, rebels from the fundamentalist Islamic group HTS (Hayat Thrir al-Sham), who are advancing towards Homs. In dark green, the Syrian Democratic Forces, an alliance of Syrians of Kurdish, Arab and other ethnic origins fighting for a democratic and secular government in the country. In light green, joint control with the Syrian government. In gray US opposition and military. In purple, Turkish opposition and military.
The military campaign that began last week reignited a conflict that had been at a standstill for years and affected the organization of the territory. The jihadists head towards government-controlled Homs. Syrian army troops, supported by Iran, were seen withdrawing from the city of Deir Ezzor, in the east, towards the central region, under rebel attack.
The Syrian Democratic Forces sent its troops stationed in the northeast of the country to areas where Assad’s men withdrew from, in Deir Ezzor and west of the Euphrates River.
Iran military chiefs and other authorities in Syria after the territorial advances of rebels against President Bashar al-Assad towards Homs. Control of the city, the 3rd largest in Syria, is considered crucial for both sides in the civil war due to its strategic and logistical importance in conflicts.
After the offensives, Lebanon and Jordan announced the closure of borders with Syria. Damascus, still under the control of Bashar al-Assad’s forces, was the only city that kept its border open with neighboring countries.
Russia and the US have told their citizens to leave Syria. The governments of Egypt and Jordan have called for President Bashar al-Assad to leave Syria.
