The Resurgence of Rebel Forces in Syria: A Turning Point in the Conflict

Mon Dec 23 2024 05:11:36 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)
The Resurgence of Rebel Forces in Syria: A Turning Point in the Conflict

Rebel groups, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have made significant gains in Syria, raising questions about the future of President Bashar al-Assad's regime.


Amidst a major offensive, rebel forces have taken control of parts of Syria, with claims of President Assad's departure from the capital Damascus. This article explores the dynamics of the current conflict, the role of various factions, and the historical context that has led to this pivotal moment.


Rebel forces in Syria are making headlines as they have reportedly entered the capital, Damascus, amid claims that President Bashar al-Assad has fled the country. In a broadcast announcement, the opposition forces declared the city liberated, stating, "Long live a free and independent Syria for all Syrians of all sects." This rapid offensive, spearheaded by Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, began with the capture of Aleppo in late November and has since led to significant gains for the rebels in a matter of weeks. Reports indicate that the Syrian military has faced a crisis, with many troops either abandoning their posts or defecting to support the opposition.

The leading faction in this charge is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist militant group with a complicated history in the ongoing Syrian civil war. Initially founded in 2011 as Jabhat al-Nusra, it operated as an affiliate of al-Qaeda. While HTS has been labeled a terrorist organization by the UN, the US, and Turkey, it has effectively controlled the northwestern Idlib province, gradually establishing itself as the de facto authority there. The group sought to distance itself from its roots in al-Qaeda since 2016, focusing on establishing fundamentalist rule in Syria rather than pursuing a global jihadist agenda similar to that of the Islamic State (IS).

The Syrian civil war has been raging since 2011, sparked by pro-democracy protests that were violently suppressed by Assad's regime. As opposition groups sprang up and foreign powers began to intervene, various factions emerged, leading to a full-scale conflict that has resulted in devastating casualties and displacement of millions. The dynamics of power began to shift in favor of Assad in recent years, with the help of Russian and Iranian military support consolidating his hold over the majority of urban areas.

Despite the recent gains by rebel forces, the motivations behind the HTS-led offensive remain complex. Although the ceasefire established between Russia and Turkey in 2020 held for some time, the recent deterioration of Hezbollah's position due to Israeli strikes against Iranian military assets in Syria has left Assad's forces vulnerable. This shift in power dynamics could potentially indicate a resurgence in the conflict or even a new phase of civil unrest within the country.

As the situation continues to evolve, questions loom large over the legitimacy and long-term objectives of the rebel forces now challenging Assad's authority. The implications of this offensive extend beyond mere territorial control, suggesting a rekindling of the conflict that may further complicate an already dire humanitarian crisis in the region.

MORE ON THEME

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:02:55 GMT

Minorities in Syria Strive for Security amid Changing Power Dynamics

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:02:55 GMT
Sun, 22 Dec 2024 22:56:50 GMT

Children Among Victims in Recent Israeli Strikes on Gaza

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 22:56:50 GMT
Sun, 22 Dec 2024 21:41:41 GMT

The Unraveling of Bashar al-Assad's Regime: A Shift in the Syrian Conflict

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 21:41:41 GMT
Sun, 22 Dec 2024 18:32:18 GMT

Children Among Many Casualties in Escalating Israeli Strikes on Gaza

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 18:32:18 GMT
Sun, 22 Dec 2024 09:56:04 GMT

The Ghosts of Power: Abandoned Homes of Assad’s Enforcers in Syria

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 09:56:04 GMT
Sun, 22 Dec 2024 09:54:01 GMT

Minorities in Syria Navigate New Threats Post-Assad Regime

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 09:54:01 GMT
Sun, 22 Dec 2024 04:00:25 GMT

Christmas Market Attack in Magdeburg: Suspect's Motives Under Scrutiny

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 04:00:25 GMT
Sun, 22 Dec 2024 00:22:54 GMT

Putin Open to Talks with Trump on Ukraine Amidst Ongoing Tensions

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 00:22:54 GMT
Sat, 21 Dec 2024 20:03:49 GMT

The Fall of the Assad Regime: A Quiet Escape Amid Chaos

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 20:03:49 GMT
Sat, 21 Dec 2024 12:45:29 GMT

### The Disappearance of Assad's Enforcers: A Tale of Abandonment and Accountability

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 12:45:29 GMT
Sat, 21 Dec 2024 07:26:34 GMT

Musicians in Syria Face Uncertainty Under New Islamist Leadership

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 07:26:34 GMT
Sat, 21 Dec 2024 05:52:39 GMT

Reconstruction in Post-Assad Syria: The Need for Sanctions Relief

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 05:52:39 GMT
Fri, 20 Dec 2024 19:23:01 GMT

Russia's Dwindling Influence in Syria Poses Challenges for Putin

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 19:23:01 GMT
Fri, 20 Dec 2024 12:01:19 GMT

Syrian Kurds Sound Alarm: Increased Threat of IS Resurgence Amid Chaos

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 12:01:19 GMT
Fri, 20 Dec 2024 11:59:40 GMT

US Diplomats Engage with New Syrian Authorities Amid Political Shift

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 11:59:40 GMT
Fri, 20 Dec 2024 11:21:52 GMT

Tragedy Strikes as Eight Migrants Drown Attempting to Evade Greek Coastguard

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 11:21:52 GMT
Fri, 20 Dec 2024 10:49:21 GMT

Putin Reflects on Ukraine Invasion and Domestic Affairs During Year-End Press Conference

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 10:49:21 GMT
Fri, 20 Dec 2024 06:48:46 GMT

Inside Myanmar's Espionage Network: The Role of Soldier-Spies in Pro-Democracy Efforts

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 06:48:46 GMT
Fri, 20 Dec 2024 06:46:05 GMT

Understanding the Complexity of North Korean Troops in Ukraine: Insights from Defectors

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 06:46:05 GMT
Fri, 20 Dec 2024 06:42:32 GMT

**Warnings of IS Resurgence Amid Ongoing Turmoil in Syria's Northeast**

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 06:42:32 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.