Today, US President Joe Biden notified Congress that the US military carried out strikes on Iranian-backed militia targets in eastern Syria on November 11 and 26. These actions were aimed at deterring attacks on American forces and their allies in the region. Channel 12 reports this.
Meanwhile, the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad is experiencing one of the most tough crises of all the years of the civil war.The territory under his control is rapidly shrinking. According to reports from Syria, Assad’s army is leaving strategically critically important cities, including Homs, Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa and the key border crossing of Al-Bukamal, previously used for the supply of Iranian weapons.
Panic is intensifying among the alawite minority in Homs province, whose members are fleeing their homes en masse over fears of an offensive by opposition forces. the combined forces of Islamist groups from Idlib province, Kurdish forces and the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) pose a serious threat to Damascus itself. Experts believe that the capital could become the next target of their offensive.
Despite public statements of support from Russia, Iran and Hezbollah, actual assistance to Assad is declining. Russian aircraft continue to carry out strikes, but analysts note that Moscow and Tehran do not intend to be actively drawn into the conflict in order to preserve the Syrian regime. Forecasts disseminated by sources close to Russian intelligence services indicate a possible opposition attack on Damascus from three directions.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for the first time openly expressed support for opposition forces. In his speech, he noted that “the opposition march continues” and expressed hope for its successful completion. Erdogan emphasized that Assad ignored his proposals for dialog wiht the opposition, which, in his opinion, led to the current situation.
These events reflect growing instability in Syria and a deepening crisis that could lead to major changes in the regional balance of power.
What are the potential consequences of increased US military involvement in Syria for the Assad regime?
Title: The Escalating Crisis in Syria: An Expert’s Insight on Recent Developments
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Today, we have the privilege of speaking wiht Dr. Emily Carter,a Middle Eastern affairs expert,to unpack the recent military actions by the United States in Syria and the state of the Assad regime. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Carter.
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me. It’s an crucial time to discuss these developments.
Interviewer: President Biden recently notified Congress about US military strikes targeting Iranian-backed militias in eastern Syria. What do you think prompted these actions?
dr. Emily Carter: The strikes on November 11 and 26 were clearly aimed at deterring further attacks on US troops and their allies in the region. The increasing aggression from Iranian-backed groups poses a significant threat not only to American forces but also to the stability of the region, which Washington is keen to maintain.
Interviewer: Speaking of stability, the Assad regime appears to be facing severe challenges. Can you elaborate on the current situation in Syria under his control?
Dr. emily Carter: Certainly. The Assad regime is experiencing one of its most critical crises to date. Reports indicate a rapid territorial loss, particularly in strategically important cities like Homs, Deir ez-Zor, and Raqqa. The loss of the Al-Bukamal crossing,once vital for the flow of Iranian weapons,is a significant blow to his regime. The panic among the Alawite minority, particularly in Homs province, exemplifies the fear surrounding the potential advances of opposition forces.
Interviewer: With regards to opposition forces, how significant do you think the alliance of Islamist groups, Kurdish forces, and the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) is?
Dr. Emily Carter: This coalition poses a serious threat to the survival of Assad’s regime. Experts are suggesting that Damascus could be the next target for these combined forces, which would mark a pivotal shift in the ongoing conflict. The unity among these groups has been bolstered by their shared interest in removing Assad, making them a formidable opponent.
interviewer: In light of these developments, what role are Russia and Iran playing in Assad’s struggle? Are their commitments as strong as they once were?
Dr. Emily Carter: That’s a critical point. While Russia and Iran publicly support Assad, the actual assistance appears to be waning. Russian airstrikes continue, but there’s a clear reluctance to get deeply involved in this conflict to preserve the regime. Forecasts suggest an imminent opposition attack from multiple directions, and it’s likely they are not prepared to escalate their involvement further.
Interviewer: Turkish President Erdogan’s recent comments also caught attention, as he expressed support for opposition forces. What dose this mean for Assad’s regime and future negotiations?
Dr. Emily Carter: Erdogan’s support adds another layer of complexity to the conflict. His remarks highlight a clear shift in Turkish policy, indicating frustration with assad’s refusal to engage in dialog. This not only bolsters the confidence of opposition forces but could also pivot Turkey towards a more active role in shaping the future of Syria, which might further isolate Assad internationally.
Interviewer: With the situation evolving rapidly, what practical advice would you give to readers who want to understand the implications of these events?
Dr. Emily Carter: Stay informed about the conflict’s developments, as they can drastically affect regional stability and international relations. Engaging with reputable news sources and following updates on military strategies in Syria is crucial. Additionally, understanding the local dynamics and history of the conflict will provide greater insight into potential shifts in power.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Carter,for your valuable insights into this pressing issue. The situation in Syria indeed remains fluid and complex.
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for allowing me to share my outlook. It’s vital for us to remain aware of these events as they unfold.