The situation on the Syrian front continues to evolve. In recent days, rebel forces have made some progress, advancing into new territories.
updated map allows you to assess changes in the balance of power:
brown color designated areas under the control of government forces of Bashar al-Assad.
Yellow reflects areas held by Kurdish forces.
Green color shows areas controlled by rebels before the latest operations began.
Blue indicates new rebel gains over the past few days.
against this backdrop, government troops continue to send reinforcements to the Hama area.There are reports that the Syrian Arab army is massing forces for a possible counterattack, even though there is no confirmation of this yet.
Meanwhile, assad’s army was able to regain control of a key height north of Hama.Rebel troops left the area, awaiting the arrival of reinforcements, including armored vehicles.
Over the past 24 hours, israel has launched a series of artillery strikes on targets in the Syrian part of the Golan Heights. According to the Qatari TV channel Al-Jazeera, the strikes hit various targets in Syria.
Simultaneously occurring, the syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that armed militias have captured over 120 settlements, including towns and villages, over the past 48 hours. These gains are part of a larger initiative by the Syrian opposition to return displaced people to their homes. It is indeed planned to create safe zones to ensure this process.
The opposition is seeking to return refugees from Turkey and Idlib to the regions of Aleppo, Homs and Hama, which coincides with the plans of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
How are regional players, like Turkey and israel, influencing the conflict dynamics in Syria?
Interview: The Evolving Dynamics of the Syrian Front with conflict Expert Dr. Amir Khalil
Q: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Khalil. The situation in Syria seems to be in a state of flux, especially with recent advances by rebel forces. What can you tell us about the current balance of power on the ground?
A: It’s my pleasure to be here. The latest developments in Syria are indeed significant.We’ve observed that the rebel forces,represented by the areas marked in blue on updated maps,have made notable advances into new territories. This shift could potentially change the dynamics of the conflict, as the government forces under Bashar al-Assad, currently shown in brown, are facing not just military setbacks but also a challenge to their authority.
Q: Can you elaborate on the specific areas that have changed hands and the implications this may have?
A: Certainly.the heart of the conflict revolves around critical regions such as Hama, where reports indicate that government troops are amassing forces for a potential counterattack. However, the rebels recently vacated a key height north of Hama, creating a temporary tactical advantage for Assad’s army. The yellow areas on the map highlighting Kurdish control also play a crucial role, as the interplay between these forces could further complicate the situation.
Q: What about the recent artillery strikes from Israel? How do these fit into the broader context of the Syrian conflict?
A: The strikes by Israel, targeting various locations in the Golan heights, illustrate their ongoing concerns about Syria’s stability and its implications for regional security. These military actions can escalate tensions not just within Syria but also with neighboring countries,raising questions about Israel’s strategy to prevent the entrenchment of hostile actors along its borders.
Q: The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has reported significant territorial gains by armed militias. What does this mean for displaced populations?
A: Yes, the reported capture of over 120 settlements is crucial. This reflects a broader strategy by the Syrian opposition to establish safe zones intended for the return of displaced persons. Plans to facilitate the safe return of refugees from Turkey and Idlib to regions like Aleppo,Homs,and Hama are enterprising and align with Turkish President Erdogan’s agenda. This could lead to an influx of displaced individuals returning home, but it raises concerns about their safety and the sustainability of such zones.
Q: Given all these developments, what practical advice would you offer to readers who want to keep abreast of the situation in Syria?
A: I recommend staying informed through reliable news sources that focus on comprehensive coverage of the Syrian conflict. It’s essential to understand the multilayered aspects of the situation, including the roles of various factions—government forces, rebels, Kurdish groups, and external players like Turkey and Israel. Additionally, following updates from humanitarian organizations can provide insights into the safety and wellbeing of displaced populations as these changes unfold.
Q: Thank you, Dr. khalil, for your valuable insights into this complex situation. Your expertise helps in understanding the implications of these developments.
A: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to maintain a dialogue around these issues as they evolve, and I appreciate the chance to shed light on this significant aspect of global conflict.