The Assad regime is done. Syrian rebels have invaded the town of Hama, in northwestern Syria. Verified videos show them driving through the town and detainees released from a prison. The government army confirmed it had withdrawn from the town. The offensive is led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Syrian National Army (SNA) part, a group supported by Turkey and other terror groups. They have gained much ground on the government army in recent times. Presumably, the rebels want to move after Hama towards Homs, some 40 kilometers south.
Assad's army says there was heavy fighting outside the city last night, killing several soldiers. According to the army, rebels carried out suicide attacks to get through defenses. The troops claim they retreated outside Hama to regroup. The capture of Hama is another sign that the government army is incapable of stopping the rebels. The rebels said they were advancing towards the center. Hours later, the army surprised by announcing that it had decided to withdraw to positions outside the city after heavy fighting. According to the army, by doing so, it wanted to avoid many casualties among the population in bloody street battles. Yeah, sure. Hama is an important hub in the country because it connects northern Syria with the south of the country. The government was in control of the city. A resident of the city said that since Wednesday, the internet had been shut down and streets were cleared. If Hama and Homs fall result is that Assad army cannot be supplied anymore all hope on Russia sending reinforcements are futile and still no word or seen Assad back from Moscow.
Apart from Homs, the area west of Hama on the Mediterranean Sea may also come under rebel control. Russia has a naval base here, near the port city of Tartus. The Russians also use an airbase there to attack the rebels. US news site Naval News reported on Tuesday that the Russians would already be preparing to leave the naval base if the rebel offensive is not stopped. According to Naval News, one of the six naval ships in Tartus has already left the port. The naval base is important to Moscow, as it allows the Russians to operate from the Mediterranean.
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HTS emerged from Syria's al-Qaida terror movement and other militant groups. The group is considered a terror group by the United Nations and the US, among others. HTS engaged in violent resistance with attacks early in the Syrian civil war. The group is led by Abu Mohammad al-Jolani. Goals include toppling President Assad's regime and ousting Iranian militias supporting Assad. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham means ‘Organization for the Liberation of the Levant’. Levant is a name for Syria, Lebanon and other countries in the Middle East.
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