Syrian Rebels Gain Ground, Pushing Toward Damascus and Intensifying Civil War

Syrian opposition forces have claimed control of Daraa, a key city in southwestern Syria, marking a significant step toward Damascus. Concurrently, rebel factions linked to the Druze community in as-Suwayda have launched attacks against regime forces in their region.

The Syrian army acknowledged a strategic retreat from the two southern cities, describing their actions as a “redeployment” following attacks on military checkpoints by what they labeled “terrorists.” In a statement, the regime’s military declared, “Our forces operating in Daraa and as-Suwayda implemented a redeployment, repositioning and established a strong and cohesive defensive and security cordon in that direction.”

Rebels are advancing on Damascus from both the north and south, with Daraa—where the 2011 uprising began—becoming a pivotal battleground. The southern rebel groups, distinct from the northern Islamist faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), are united in their mission to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. HTS recently captured Aleppo and Hama in their offensive.

The Southern Operations Room, a local rebel group, announced late Friday, “Our forces have taken full control of the entire city of Daraa and have started combing through its neighborhoods and securing its institutions and government offices.” This assertion was supported by geolocated footage showing rebels outside the Daraa administrative building.

The resurgence of violence has reignited a civil war that had been relatively dormant. The conflict originated in 2011 when Assad violently suppressed pro-democracy protests during the Arab Spring. Over time, the war transformed into a complex struggle involving regional and global powers, including Saudi Arabia, the United States, Iran, and Russia, with some observers characterizing it as a “proxy war.”

The toll has been devastating. The United Nations estimates that over 300,000 civilians have died, and millions have been displaced across the region.

In another victory for the opposition, southern rebels seized the Syria-Jordan Nassib border crossing on Friday. This marks the southern terminus of the M5 highway, a strategic route that runs through Aleppo, Damascus, and into southern Syria. Footage verified by CNN showed armed fighters celebrating their control of the crossing.

Northern rebel forces, led by HTS, continue to advance southward along the M5 highway, capturing Hama and setting their sights on Homs. Kurdish-led fighters in the northeast, meanwhile, are growing apprehensive, fearing the violence could spread to their autonomous regions. While the rebels’ primary target remains the Assad regime, Kurdish forces have expressed concerns about potential spillover effects.

Hundreds of civilians fled Homs overnight as the city braced for an assault. Videos showed vehicles congesting highways as residents escaped potential clashes. The opposition aims to capture Homs, a strategically vital city that, if taken, could split regime-held territories.

HTS has urged regime soldiers to defect, with their media wing declaring, “From here we direct the last call to the regime forces, this is your chance to defect.” By late Friday, opposition fighters claimed control of the last village on the outskirts of Homs, stating they were “at the city walls.”

In an exclusive interview with CNN, HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani articulated the coalition’s ultimate goal: “When we talk about objectives, the goal of the revolution remains the overthrow of this regime. It is our right to use all available means to achieve that goal.”

Homs, with a significant Alawite population—a sect closely associated with Assad—remains tense. Many Alawites fear retribution from rebels who accuse the community of supporting Assad’s oppressive rule. The city also holds historical significance as the site of a major 1982 massacre under Assad’s father, Hafez al-Assad.

The rapid advance of opposition forces has surprised many. Within days, rebels moved from Idlib to Aleppo, capturing the city in just three days, followed by Hama in eight. Regime forces appeared unprepared for such swift offensives, raising doubts about their ability to defend Homs.

CNN reported an internet blackout in Homs on Friday, making communication difficult as rebels approached the city. In newly captured territories like Hama, residents celebrated their liberation after years under regime control. Videos showed fighters cheering in disbelief at their progress, with one exclaiming, “Guys, my country is being liberated. I swear to God, we are inside Hama city, we are inside Aleppo city,” as he filmed himself near a notable landmark in Hama.

HTS claimed they freed hundreds of detainees from Hama’s central prison, many of whom they believe were unjustly imprisoned. Jolani emphasized his group’s vision for a future government based on institutions and a council chosen by the people. Speaking of the Assad regime, he stated, “The seeds of the regime’s defeat have always been within it… the Iranians attempted to revive the regime, buying it time, and later the Russians also tried to prop it up. But the truth remains: this regime is dead.”

The regime’s weakening grip has sparked concern among regional powers. Foreign ministers from Iran, Iraq, and Syria convened in Baghdad on Friday, issuing a joint statement warning that the opposition’s advances posed “a serious danger to the three countries, threatens the security of their peoples and the region as a whole.” They labeled the opposition forces as “terrorists” and called for collective action against them.

On Saturday, representatives from Russia, Iran, and Turkey met in Doha to discuss the situation in Syria. Meanwhile, Israel has heightened its vigilance, monitoring developments closely. Israel’s defense ministry stated, “The Israeli military is prepared for any scenario and is determined to protect the citizens of Israel and protect Israel’s security interests at all times.”

The U.S. State Department urged Americans to leave Syria immediately, citing the “volatile and unpredictable” security environment. “U.S. citizens who choose not to depart Syria or are unable to depart should prepare contingency plans for emergency situations and be prepared to shelter in place for extended periods,” the statement read. The Aleppo International Airport remains closed due to ongoing hostilities.

As the rebels push toward Damascus, the civil war appears far from resolution. The swift gains of opposition forces underscore the fragility of Assad’s regime and the enduring instability that has plagued Syria for over a decade.