Rebels surround Homs as violence escalates in Syria conflict
The rebels have reported reaching the outskirts of the city of Homs in the west of the country and taking control of the southern city of Daraa. At least 20 civilians have been killed in attacks by government forces and their Russian allies on the outskirts of Homs, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).
Rebels in Syria continue their offensive, capturing more strategic points. "Our forces have liberated the last village on the outskirts of the city of Homs and are now on its walls," announced the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) on social media.
Homs, the third-largest city in Syria, is crucial for further rebel actions.
Over the past week, the rebels have captured cities including Aleppo and Hama. Their actions aim to cut off Damascus from the coast, where Russian bases are located.
Russia supports Bashar al-Assad's regime by conducting airstrikes on cities occupied by rebels. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 20 civilians have been killed in attacks on the outskirts of Homs.
The rebels have called on Assad's regime soldiers to defect, offering them a final chance to leave Homs. "Our forces ... are now on its walls," emphasized HTS representatives.
Bloody clashes in Syria. Over 700 people have already died
On Friday evening, the rebels took control of the city of Daraa in the south of the country. An agreement was reached with Assad's forces, allowing them a controlled retreat to Damascus, reported Reuters.
The current fights are the most serious clashes in Syria since 2020. In over a week, more than 700 people have died, including over 100 civilians. The UN reports 370,000 refugees.
In the north of the country, the Syrian National Army (SNA) is fighting against the government army and the Western-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF reported having taken control of Deir ez-Zor, the largest city in the east of the country. In the south, government forces clashed with Druze militias.
