United News of Bangladesh

Insurgent forces have surged forward in Syria, nearing the capital Damascus and seizing key strategic areas, including the central city of Homs, in a campaign that has shaken the rule of President Bashar Assad. Rumors of Assad fleeing the country have been denied by state media. The fall of Homs represents a major setback for Assad's government. The city serves as a critical juncture linking Damascus to the coastal strongholds of Latakia and Tartus, home to Assad's support base and a significant Russian naval facility. Pro-government media reported the army retreating to positions outside the city, but rebel forces claimed full control by Saturday. The capture of Homs follows a swift offensive launched on November 27, during which opposition fighters also took Aleppo and Hama. Analysts believe the city’s fall could mark a turning point in the conflict. The insurgents, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a faction with roots in al-Qaida, have advanced largely unchallenged by government forces. Rebel forces have also reached the suburbs of Damascus for the first time since 2018. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported insurgents advancing in Maadamiyah, Jaramana, and Daraya, with plans to encircle the capital. The campaign comes as the army has withdrawn from southern provinces, leaving only three of Syria's 14 provincial capitals under government control. Civilian Panic and Diplomatic EffortsIn Damascus, residents are stockpiling essentials, while thousands are fleeing toward Lebanon. Many shops in the capital have shut down, and the few remaining open have inflated prices for basic goods. The United Nations has begun relocating non-essential staff from Syria as a precaution. Meanwhile, the U.N. special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has called for urgent talks in Geneva to facilitate a political transition. At the Doha Forum, global diplomats echoed the need for an immediate resolution to avoid further escalation. Read: Syrian insurgents advance toward Hama as govt forces counterattack Assad’s Allies PreoccupiedAssad's usual allies, including Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, have offered minimal assistance. Russia remains embroiled in its conflict in Ukraine, while Hezbollah is strained by a prolonged confrontation with Israel. Iran’s regional influence has been weakened by repeated Israeli airstrikes. The Biden administration reiterated its stance of non-intervention in Syria. Similarly, President-elect Donald Trump has discouraged U.S. military engagement in the region. Insurgency Gains MomentumThe HTS-led offensive has seen rapid gains in northern and southern Syria. On Friday, rebels entered the ancient city of Palmyra, previously reclaimed from ISIS. Activists reported government forces retreating from much of Quneitra and Daraa provinces, with the military regrouping to establish defensive lines around Damascus. HTS, which has distanced itself from its al-Qaida origins, has taken control of large parts of northwest Syria. The group has sought to present a more moderate image, with leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani advocating for pluralism and religious tolerance. Calls for a Political SolutionForeign ministers from countries including Iran, Russia, and Turkey met in Doha to discuss the crisis. While urging an end to hostilities, they emphasized the need for a political resolution to ensure Syria’s stability. Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed criticized Assad for failing to address the country’s grievances during previous ceasefires. Read more: Syrian insurgents seize four towns amid clashes Sheikh Mohammed warned that without swift diplomatic action, Syria’s territorial integrity and remaining infrastructure could face further devastation. The situation remains dire, with the international community scrambling to mediate a peaceful solution as insurgents continue their march toward Damascus. Source: With inputs from agencies

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