Syrian rebels claimed to have captured the key southwestern city of Daraa, close to the Jordanian border, in a lightning-fast offensive that threatens to further destabilize the war-torn region. The rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), said they had freed Daraa from the Syrian regime’s control, a significant victory symbolically and strategically. Although their claims could not be independently verified, a war monitor reported that rebels controlled over 90% of the Deraa region, including the city itself. Meanwhile, the Syrian army stated that they had repositioned forces in Daraa and established a strong defense perimeter.
This capture of Daraa is part of a broader campaign by the rebels, which has seen them take over other cities such as Aleppo and Hama, shifting the balance of power in Syria. HTS also claimed to have advanced towards the city of Homs, an important link between Damascus and government strongholds on the coast. The fall of Homs would jeopardize Damascus and put three major cities under HTS control. Despite these advances, the conflict’s outcome remains uncertain, depending on the Syrian army’s resilience and support from Russia and Iran.
The rebel offensive has strained the Assad regime’s forces, challenging its hold on power. Pro-Assad troops are also engaged in battles with Kurdish forces in eastern Syria. Additionally, Jordan has closed its border crossing due to security concerns in southern Syria, and government forces have withdrawn from the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights for the first time since the 1967 war. The ongoing fighting has caused over 820 casualties, including civilians. The situation in Syria remains fluid, with the rebels gaining ground while the Assad regime faces mounting challenges.
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