Syrian Rebels Capture 4th City Of Daraa As Challenges Mount For Assad Regime Amid Escalating Conflict

In a significant advance against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, opposition rebels have captured the southern city of Daraa, marking the fourth city to fall to insurgents within days. This rapid escalation in the ongoing conflict presents a mounting threat to Assad's regime.

The seizure of Daraa holds symbolic importance, as the city was the epicentre of the 2011 uprising against Assad and serves as the capital of a province with a population of approximately one million. Daraa also borders Jordan, adding strategic value to the rebel gains.

Photo Credit: AP/PTI

Reports indicate that Assad's government has sought military and intelligence support from nations including the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq as the regime struggles to fend off the rebel onslaught.

According to The Wall Street Journal, some Arab officials are reportedly urging Assad to leave the country.

Latest Developments in Syria's Civil War

Rebel Offensive: Syrian rebels, led by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), launched a surprise attack on 27 November, swiftly capturing key cities such as Aleppo, Hama, and Deir Ezzor. The militants are now advancing towards Homs, a critical city connecting Damascus to the coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus, strongholds of Assad's support and home to one of Syria's two state-run oil refineries.

Casualties and Displacement: The fresh wave of attacks has claimed the lives of at least 200 insurgents on Friday, with war monitors reporting widespread violence. The United Nations estimates that 370,000 people have been displaced, warning that the number could rise to 1.5 million.

International Responses:

- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the crisis with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, emphasising the need for a political resolution. Turkey, sharing a long border with Syria, has been a key backer of opposition groups since the civil war's onset in 2011.

- The United States expressed concern over the developments, with White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre stating that they are closely monitoring the situation.

- Russia and Jordan have urged their citizens to leave Syria, with Jordan closing its only passenger and commercial border crossing into the country.

Hezbollah Involvement: The Iran-backed Lebanese armed group Hezbollah reportedly deployed a small contingent of "supervising forces" overnight to help Syrian government troops hold Homs.

Indian Advisory: The Indian government has advised its citizens to avoid all travel to Syria. Those currently in the country have been urged to leave on available commercial flights or exercise maximum caution.

"Those who can, are advised to leave by the earliest available commercial flights, and others are requested to observe utmost precaution about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum," stated the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

A Weakened Assad Regime

Although Assad regained control of most of Syria with significant assistance from Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, these allies are now preoccupied with other crises, including the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. This shift has created an opening for Sunni militant groups to intensify their offensive against Assad's government.

The leader of HTS, Abu Mohammad al-Jawlani, declared their intention to overthrow Assad and establish a new government. Their fighters, supported by Turkish-backed Syrian militias under the Syrian National Army, continue to push their campaign southwards.