**Syria on the Brink: Government Forces Retreat Amid Growing Unrest**

Mon Dec 23 2024 05:20:19 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)
**Syria on the Brink: Government Forces Retreat Amid Growing Unrest**

*Fierce anti-government protests in Damascus suburbs lead to military withdrawals, signaling a shift in the conflict landscape in Syria.*


As protests erupt in Damascus suburbs, monitoring groups report that government forces have withdrawn from key areas, signifying a potential shift in the conflict's dynamics. The situation is exacerbated by rebel advances and dwindling military support from Assad's allies.

The Syrian government is facing an unprecedented challenge as reports indicate that military forces have retreated from several suburbs surrounding Damascus. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the British-based war monitoring group, significant withdrawals from areas such as Moadamia al-Sham and Daraya were confirmed following a recent uptick in anti-government protests. Residents in Jaramana have been vocal, tearing down a statue of former President Hafez al-Assad and chanting anti-regime slogans.

While state media claims that President Bashar al-Assad remains in control and no retreats have taken place, the landscape appears increasingly precarious for the regime, which had maintained a relatively firm grip over the country until now. Alongside this, rebel forces have gained momentum, capturing positions in the south and moving towards the city of Homs, located about 100 miles from the capital.

The current turmoil is exacerbated by diminishing military support from key allies. Iran, previously a staunch supporter, has started withdrawing its personnel, while Russia's assistance seems limited, as their involvement has been stretched thin due to ongoing military commitments elsewhere, particularly in Ukraine.

As opposition forces escalate their efforts to encircle the capital, analysts highlight the dire state of the Syrian military. The regime’s troops, mostly comprised of reluctant conscripts, lack the motivation and resources to repel the rebel advances effectively. Recent announcements to increase military salaries by 50% are expected to have minimal impact on boosting morale or retention rates.

Internationally, the conflict is causing concern, particularly in Israel, where the military has reinforced its positions along the Golan Heights. U.S. officials have further cautioned American citizens against remaining in Syria amid growing volatility.

As the situation develops, the lack of unified support for Assad and the emergence of a more organized opposition present an uncertain future for Syria, raising the specter of potential regime change. The coming days and weeks will determine whether Assad can reclaim stability or if this unrest marks a new chapter in Syria's multi-faceted civil war.

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 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 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 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 21:08:25 GMT

Iran Faces Severe Energy Crisis Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 21:08:25 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 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 06:42:32 GMT

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

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 06:42:32 GMT
Fri, 20 Dec 2024 06:06:55 GMT

The Shifting Landscape in Syria: Can Ahmed al-Sharaa Deliver Real Change?

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 06:06:55 GMT
Fri, 20 Dec 2024 06:01:38 GMT

Syria's HTS Leadership: Navigating Between Jihadist Roots and Progressive Promises

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 06:01:38 GMT
Fri, 20 Dec 2024 05:55:01 GMT

US Diplomats Engage with New Authorities in Damascus

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 05:55:01 GMT
Fri, 20 Dec 2024 05:51:23 GMT

Diplomatic Efforts in Syria: U.S. Diplomats Seek to Engage with Militia Leaders

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 05:51:23 GMT
Fri, 20 Dec 2024 02:00:45 GMT

Navigating Ideological Waters: Syria’s Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and its Complicated Future

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 02:00:45 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.