The armed opposition factions took control of several points close to the syrian capital,Damascus,and the armed opposition announced control over the areas of “Kanaker” and “Deir Maker” southwest of Damascus after the army withdrew from them.
The syrian Observatory reported that the armed opposition is encircling the towns of “Zakia,” “Khan al-Shih,” and “Sasa’” in the southern Damascus countryside,noting that the Syrian army has withdrawn from Artuz and the armed factions control it,making it 10 kilometers from the capital,Damascus.
In a related context, two sources in the armed factions and a Syrian military officer reported today, Saturday, that the faction forces took control of the city of Quneitra in the Syrian Golan near the border with Israel, according to what was reported by Reuters. The military confirmed to Reuters the withdrawal from the city.
later, the leader of the armed factions, Hassan Abdul Ghani, said that the faction forces took control of the city of Al-Sanamayn today and advanced to a distance of 20 kilometers from the southern gate of Damascus.
On the other hand, the syrian army withdrew from its positions from the governorates of Quneitra, Suwayda, and Daraa in the south, for the first time as Israel occupied the Syrian Golan, while it is indeed still stationed on the outskirts of the city of Homs, and has been bombing with heavy weapons from last night until this morning (Saturday), the areas it took control of. Armed factions have attacked it during the past hours, amid intermittent clashes along the front line in the northern countryside of Homs, which did not witness any progress during the day, according to what the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported.
Yesterday evening, other armed factions began an attack on the village of Al-Mushrifa in the Homs countryside, which includes the College of Engineering, which the Syrian army uses as a military barracks. Through it, it targeted areas of the northern Homs countryside that the factions controlled.
Coinciding with the factions’ attack, Russian warplanes launched air strikes targeting the village.
Sources of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that the city of Homs was devoid of the Syrian army, as it had withdrawn from the city and was stationed on the Homs-latakia road, while gunmen loyal to the Syrian government remained in the city in the Shiite-majority neighborhoods.
The armed factions were able to control the cities of rastan and Talbiseh and a large number of villages in the northern countryside. They also took control of the town of Al-Dar Al-Kabira, which is only more than a kilometer away from the Military College in Homs, which is considered the largest military college in Syria, amid the withdrawal of many officers and members of the division’s leadership. 26 air defense forces in the Ter Maala area in the northern countryside of Homs.
According to the Observatory, Russian forces withdrew from the 17 points they created in the area near the occupied Syrian Golan, to reduce the escalation in the region.
In Suwayda Governorate, the armed factions released prisoners for reasons other than criminal in the central prison in the city of Suwayda, and transferred them from the area in preparation for their return to their homes.
Yesterday, the factions attacked Syrian army sites and headquarters in the city of Suwayda and its environs.The factions took control of the central prison in Suwayda, the headquarters of the Baath Party branch, the police command, and many military checkpoints and sites inside and outside the city, and became completely outside the control of the Syrian army, which put The governor of Suwayda was forced to leave the area after escalation of tension.
According to the sources of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the prison personnel surrendered themselves to the factions, and the prison doors were opened to confirm the presence of people forcibly detained by the Syrian army.
Observatory sources confirmed that many military sites in nearby villages were controlled by the factions, while negotiations were underway with some leaders of the security branches to leave the city.
In Quneitra Governorate, the Syrian army withdrew from the artillery company north of the town of mumtana, the research company, and military points in Khan Arnabah, Mashara, and the city of Al-Baath, in addition to workers in government institutions and United Nations teams in the countryside and villages near the ceasefire line on the occupied Syrian Golan. the areas are almost empty.
According to Observatory sources, Syrian army soldiers withdrew on foot, trucks, and motorcycles towards the Damascus countryside and the Sa`sa area.
As for daraa Governorate,it has become almost completely controlled by armed factions,according to the Observatory,and the presence of the Syrian army has become limited to Al-Sanamayn and some neighboring villages,with the factions now controlling more than 90 percent of the governorate,amid successive withdrawals of the Syrian army.
Last updated: December 7, 2024 – 14:34
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What are teh implications of the armed opposition factions gaining control near Damascus on the syrian government’s stability?
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the opportunity to speak with Dr. Mariam Al-Hashimi, a renowned expert in Middle Eastern geopolitics and military conflicts. Dr. Al-Hashimi,thank you for joining us.
Dr. Al-Hashimi: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time for Syria,and I’m glad to discuss the recent developments.
Editor: There’s been significant movement from armed opposition factions near Damascus, especially in towns like Kanaker and Deir Maker. What does this control signify for the balance of power in the region?
Dr. Al-Hashimi: The recent gains by the armed opposition factions are quite telling. With their control of Kanaker and Deir Maker,they’re effectively pushing the Syrian army further from the capital,which not only raises questions about the army’s capability but also emboldens the opposition. This creates a precarious situation for the Syrian government and its efforts to maintain territorial integrity.
Editor: Indeed.The reports indicate that these factions are encircling towns like Zakia and Khan al-Shih. How does this encirclement affect the civilian population and the overall humanitarian situation?
Dr.Al-Hashimi: encirclement can lead to dire humanitarian consequences. Civilians often find themselves trapped, with limited access to essential services, food, and medical care. In past conflicts, similar strategies have resulted in severe shortages and have exacerbated human suffering. International humanitarian organizations must be allowed to assess and assist these populations to avoid further tragedies.
Editor: It’s alarming to hear. Additionally, the armed factions have made advances towards quneitra, close to the Israeli border. How might this impact Israel’s security concerns?
Dr. Al-Hashimi: Israel has long been wary of any shifts in power that might favor groups hostile to it, particularly near its borders. The control of Quneitra could raise alarms in Israel, as it might allow for increased militant activity or even provide a platform for attacks. Israel’s previous military responses in Syria demonstrate its desire to neutralize potential threats before they materialize.
Editor: The Syrian army’s withdrawal from Quneitra, Suwayda, and Daraa is unprecedented. What does this signify for the regime’s strategic posture in Southern Syria?
dr. Al-Hashimi: This withdrawal is quite significant. It may indicate a strategic re-evaluation by the Syrian government, possibly reallocating resources to maintain a stronghold in areas deemed more critical, like Homs. However, it also exposes weaknesses in their control over the south, which has historically been a focal point for opposition activity.
Editor: Speaking of Homs, there have been reports of continuous bombings and clashes in the northern countryside.How does this reflect on the current state of military engagements between the Syrian army and the armed factions?
Dr. Al-Hashimi: The ongoing clashes, despite the lack of territorial progress, indicate a stalemate. The Syrian army continues to rely on heavy artillery and air strikes, showcasing its unwillingness to cede territory easily. Simultaneously occurring, the armed factions are trying to capitalize on any weaknesses. this cycle of violence keeps the situation volatile and prolongs the conflict, denying a peaceful resolution.
Editor: with Russian airstrikes occurring together with faction attacks, what is Russia’s role in this evolving conflict?
Dr. Al-Hashimi: Russia remains a critical player in this conflict, acting as a supporter of the Syrian government while also attempting to navigate complex relationships with various groups. Their airstrikes are likely aimed at reestablishing control and deterring opposition advancements. However, Russia must balance its approach to avoid further destabilizing their alliances, especially with factions that may seek to challenge Assad’s rule.
Editor: Thank you,Dr. Al-Hashimi, for your insights into these unfolding events in Syria. The situation is indeed intricate, and your expertise helps us understand the implications better.
Dr. Al-Hashimi: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this critical issue. The world must remain informed and engaged as events continue to unfold in Syria.