Anti-Assad rebel forces have seized the strategic Syrian city of Hama, marking a significant turning point in the country's 13-year civil war. The rapid advances of the rebels, including the fall of Aleppo, have taken many by surprise.
During a recent Pentagon briefing, it was acknowledged that the U.S. is not directly involved in the conflict but calls for all parties to de-escalate to protect minorities in the region.
The rebel forces, led by the powerful faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have been planning the attack on Assad's forces for four years. HTS, which emerged from the Nusra Front, controls a significant portion of northwest Syria and has been instrumental in recent rebel advancements.
There are concerns that ISIS may exploit the situation, prompting the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces to take measures to counter any resurgence of the terrorist group.
Israeli officials are closely monitoring the situation, particularly as rebel forces have captured key Syrian government sites, including air bases and weapons stockpiles. Israel has emphasized its readiness to address any threats near its borders.
Security officials fear that rebels may have seized sites linked to Syria's chemical weapons program, raising concerns about the potential use of undeclared chemical reserves by extremist groups.
Analysts suggest that the Assad regime's reliance on Russian and Iranian support has weakened, leaving regime forces vulnerable. The fall of Homs, a crucial city south of Hama, could further isolate Damascus and signal a possible regime collapse.
As the conflict intensifies, the humanitarian crisis in northern and northwestern Syria deepens, with thousands displaced by escalating hostilities. Experts warn that extremist groups like ISIS could exploit the chaos, posing a threat not only to Syria but to the broader region.
