Syria’s civil war took a dramatic turn on December 7 as rebels seized control of Daraa, the birthplace of the 2011 uprising against President Bashar al-Assad. This marks the fourth key city to slip from government control in just one week, intensifying the pressure on Assad’s regime. The loss of Daraa, a symbolic center of resistance, is a major blow, signaling the rebels’ growing strength and the weakening of Assad’s hold on Syria.
Rebel sources reported that they reached a deal, allowing Syrian government forces to withdraw from Daraa in an orderly manner and granting military officials safe passage to the capital, Damascus, about 100 kilometers away. Local armed groups took Daraa, while an Islamist-led rebel alliance overtook Aleppo and Hama in recent days.
The swift rebel advances are putting additional strain on Assad’s government, with the strategic city of Homs now under threat. Homs links Damascus to Assad’s coastal strongholds and Russian military bases, making its capture crucial for the opposition’s progress. Videos from Daraa showed jubilant celebrations, though mixed with uncertainty as local residents expressed both relief and anxiety about the uncertain future.
In response, Russian-Syrian airstrikes have reportedly killed hundreds of rebels in regions like Hama, Idlib, and Aleppo, demonstrating the government’s intent to hold its ground. However, cracks are beginning to show within Assad’s alliances, as Iran has started withdrawing military personnel from Syria, potentially signaling reduced support for the regime.
As violence escalates, thousands of families have fled Homs, seeking refuge in safer, government-controlled areas such as Latakia and Tartus. Meanwhile, opposition forces have claimed a turning point in the conflict, with the head of the rebel faction HTS vowing to topple Assad.
The United States and other nations have responded to the unfolding crisis with travel advisories, urging citizens to leave Syria immediately due to the volatile situation. The US State Department, along with the Indian government, has strongly recommended avoiding travel to Syria amidst the escalating violence. With the rebel forces pushing forward, the conflict is entering a critical phase, and the future of Assad’s regime hangs in the balance.
