Homs, December 9: Syrian government forces have withdrawn from the strategic city of Homs, marking a significant blow to President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The retreat comes amid mounting pressure from insurgents, who are advancing toward the capital, Damascus, raising speculation about the imminent collapse of Assad’s government.
Rebels Seize Strategic Homs
Homs, a critical city connecting Damascus to the Mediterranean coast, has fallen to rebel forces after weeks of intense fighting. The city’s capture not only severs key supply lines to the Alawite-dominated coastal regions but also isolates the capital from vital military bases that have been crucial to Assad’s defense.
Rebels have reportedly gained control of the city center, including its central prison, where detainees were freed. Government forces evacuated Homs in a hurried retreat, with military commanders leaving by helicopter and a large convoy withdrawing by land. According to local sources, state security personnel abandoned their offices, destroying sensitive documents before their departure.
Momentum Builds Against Assad
The loss of Homs follows a series of setbacks for Syrian government forces, including the fall of Aleppo last week. Rebels have reignited opposition in regions where Assad’s forces had previously suppressed resistance, further eroding the regime’s control.
In Damascus, protests have erupted in several suburbs, with demonstrators tearing down symbols of Assad’s rule. Witnesses report instances of soldiers joining the protesters, discarding their uniforms in defiance of the government. Rebel forces are now within 30 kilometers of Damascus, heightening concerns about the government’s ability to maintain its grip on power.
Collapse of Assad’s Government Feared
Foreign officials and analysts suggest that Assad’s regime is nearing collapse. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, estimated that Assad’s government could fall within five to ten days, while another projected that the president might be ousted within a week.
Despite these dire predictions, state media has reported that Assad remains in Damascus. The government has deployed reinforcements to secure the capital and its southern regions, signaling a last-ditch effort to stave off the advancing rebels.
Regional and International Implications
The fall of Homs has significant geopolitical ramifications. The city’s strategic position makes it a critical loss for Assad’s government, particularly as it cuts off access to the Mediterranean coast, home to the Alawite community and key Russian military bases.
Russia, a staunch ally of Assad, has maintained its support for the regime, but the loss of Homs could complicate Moscow’s efforts to bolster its position in Syria. Meanwhile, the international community is closely watching the developments, with speculation rife about the post-Assad future of the country.