United News of Bangladesh

Syrian insurgents, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and backed by Turkey, captured four central towns on Tuesday, pushing closer to the strategic city of Hama. Meanwhile, government forces launched counterattacks, regaining some lost ground, opposition activists and state media reported. The ongoing clashes mark a significant escalation in the 13-year conflict, as insurgents aim to consolidate gains in central Syria, with the ultimate goal of advancing toward Damascus. Insurgent Gains Near Hama The insurgents' latest offensive has brought them within 10 kilometers (6 miles) of Hama, Syria’s fourth-largest city. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed the capture of Halfaya, Taybat al-Imam, Maardis, and Soran. "We are advancing toward Hama and, God willing, to Homs and Damascus, to liberate Syria," said HTS fighter Abu Abdo al-Hamawi. The insurgent coalition, comprising HTS and Turkey-backed opposition fighters, has also taken control of several areas in northern Aleppo and southern Idlib provinces over recent days. HTS claims that their forces have inflicted significant casualties on government troops, killing 50 soldiers and capturing 14 towns and villages. Government Counteroffensive Syrian government forces, supported by Russian airstrikes, have intensified efforts to reclaim lost territory. On Tuesday, state media reported that government troops recaptured Khanaser, a village on a vital road leading to Aleppo, days after it fell to insurgents. State-run news agency SANA said government forces are fortifying positions in Hama province as battles with insurgents rage on. Intense airstrikes by Syrian and Russian warplanes continue to target insurgent-held areas. Read: Syrian insurgents seize four towns amid clashes Humanitarian Concerns The escalation has exacerbated Syria’s humanitarian crisis. The Norwegian Refugee Council warned of food shortages and displacement in northern Syria, where thousands of families have fled the violence. “Civilian casualties are rising due to shelling and airstrikes, and the recent escalation risks plunging Syria back into its darkest days,” said Angelita Caredda, the council’s Middle East director. She urged all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law. Kurdish-Led Forces Claim Gains in the East In eastern Syria, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced the capture of seven villages from pro-government forces. However, Syrian state media denied these claims, asserting that the attack was repelled. The contested villages are near a U.S. military base close to the Iraqi border, adding to the complexity of the conflict. Turkey’s Role and Erdogan’s Statements Turkey, a key supporter of Syrian insurgent groups, emphasized the need for a political resolution to the conflict. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in a call with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, reiterated Ankara’s commitment to Syria’s unity and territorial integrity. Erdogan also warned against Kurdish militant groups exploiting the situation, referring to the U.S.-backed SDF, which Turkey considers a terrorist organization. Read more:  Lebanese officials say an Israeli strike killed 23 Syrian workers and family members in Lebanon Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called on Syrian President Bashar Assad to engage with opposition groups, arguing that reconciliation is essential to stabilize Syria. However, Assad has repeatedly dismissed opposition groups as terrorists and rejected any political dialogue with them. Regional Implications Turkey has been seeking to normalize ties with Syria to address security concerns and facilitate the return of over 3 million Syrian refugees. However, Assad demands the withdrawal of Turkish troops from northern Syria as a precondition for reconciliation. As the conflict intensifies, both sides are bracing for further battles in central Syria. The renewed violence underscores the enduring challenges of achieving peace in a war-torn country. Source: With inputs from agencies

Syrian government forces launched counterattacks Sunday against insurgents who captured much of Aleppo, with Iranian support pledged to bolster the Assad regime amid escalating violence. The conflict marks one of the most significant setbacks for President Bashar Assad in years, further complicating an already volatile Middle East landscape. Jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), leading the insurgent coalition, launched a surprise offensive last week, seizing Aleppo and advancing through Idlib and parts of Hama. Airstrikes on rebel positions in Aleppo and Idlib have killed at least 25 people, including women and children, according to the White Helmets. The insurgents’ rapid gains embarrassed Assad’s government, as allies like Iran and Russia grapple with their own challenges. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi assured Assad of Tehran's support during a meeting in Damascus, though specifics remain unclear. The intensifying conflict threatens to drag regional players like Russia, Turkey, and the U.S. into broader engagement. Western governments have called for de-escalation and humanitarian protections, emphasizing the urgent need for a political resolution to Syria's civil war. Read: Israel says it struck Hezbollah weapons smuggling sites in Syria, testing a fragile ceasefire Meanwhile, fears of further displacement and humanitarian crises loom as the violence escalates. U.N. envoy Geir Pedersen warned of risks to regional stability, urging renewed diplomatic efforts to address Syria’s decade-long conflict. Source: With inputs from agencies