Hama, Syria — A major rebel offensive led by Islamist factions has dramatically intensified Syria’s protracted civil war, with opposition forces advancing towards the strategic city of Hama after capturing significant territory in the northwest, including parts of Aleppo.

The campaign, dubbed “Operation Deter the Aggression,” aims to oust the Assad regime and reclaim key areas held by government forces.

The rebel advance, spearheaded by groups including the powerful Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has brought them within 10 kilometers of Hama, a vital city connecting Damascus to Aleppo and Syria’s coastal regions.

This escalation represents one of the most significant challenges to the Syrian regime in recent years, reigniting fears of wider violence and displacement in the already war-torn country.

Key Gains and Strategic Advances

Rebel forces swiftly captured key towns such as Maardis and Soran, consolidating their hold on critical areas in Hama and Idlib provinces. This offensive is a stark reminder of the enduring volatility in Syria, where localized battles can quickly escalate into regional crises.

Hama’s strategic importance cannot be overstated. The city acts as a transportation and logistical hub, linking government-controlled regions in the south to Aleppo and Latakia.

Its proximity to the regime’s strongholds along the Mediterranean coast makes it a critical target for rebel forces seeking to weaken Assad’s control.

Government Counteroffensive Backed by Russia

In response, the Syrian government, with substantial support from Russian airpower, has mounted a fierce counteroffensive to reclaim lost territory.

Regime forces have retaken several villages, including Kafraa and Maarshahour, bolstered by reinforcements from the National Defense Forces militia and allied fighters.

Russian warplanes have carried out intense airstrikes targeting rebel positions in Hama and Idlib. Local reports suggest these strikes have caused widespread destruction, killing dozens of civilians and displacing over 50,000 people.

The bombardments have destroyed homes, schools, and hospitals, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

The renewed fighting has triggered a massive wave of displacement. Families fleeing the violence have sought refuge in makeshift camps near the Turkish border, straining humanitarian organizations already overwhelmed by years of conflict.

“We have not seen this level of displacement in years,” said a spokesperson for the Syrian Civil Defence, commonly known as the White Helmets. “Entire families are on the move with nothing but the clothes on their backs, desperate for safety.”

The United Nations has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to allow aid to reach affected populations. However, access remains limited as intense fighting continues, leaving thousands without food, water, or medical supplies.

Historical Significance of Hama

Hama has long been a flashpoint in Syria’s political and social landscape. It was the site of a brutal crackdown in 1982, when the Assad regime, led by Hafez al-Assad, crushed an uprising, killing tens of thousands.

During the 2011 Arab Spring, the city again became a center of anti-regime protests, prompting harsh reprisals.

Despite years of relative calm, the city has remained a symbol of resistance against the Assad regime. The rebel offensive marks the most significant challenge to the government’s control of Hama since the early days of the conflict.

International Implications and Accusations

The offensive has drawn sharp international reactions, with both the United States and Russia exchanging accusations at a United Nations Security Council meeting.

Washington condemned the regime and Russian airstrikes for targeting civilian infrastructure, while Moscow accused Ukraine of supporting Syrian rebels, including HTS.

Russia alleged that Ukrainian military instructors were aiding Islamist fighters, though no evidence has been presented to substantiate the claims.

Iran, another key Assad ally, signaled its readiness to escalate its involvement. Hundreds of Iranian-backed fighters have already joined the counteroffensive, and Tehran has hinted at sending more troops if requested by Damascus.

Regional and Global Stakes

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and US troops stationed in northeast Syria have also been drawn into the broader conflict. In recent days, US forces targeted assets linked to Iranian-backed militias following rocket attacks near American bases.

This development underscores the increasingly intertwined nature of Syria’s civil war with regional and global rivalries.

Efforts to stabilize the region have been ongoing, with Russia, Turkey, and Iran holding trilateral discussions. However, the rebel offensive and subsequent government counterattack have highlighted the fragile nature of ceasefire agreements in Syria.

Rebel Strategy and Potential Impacts

The current rebel offensive is emblematic of their strategy to exploit weaknesses in regime-controlled areas.

Analysts believe the timing is critical, as government forces are stretched thin across multiple fronts, and economic pressures have weakened morale among Assad’s troops.

However, the advance towards Hama could provoke an even greater escalation. The city’s strategic significance and symbolic importance make it unlikely that the Assad regime will cede control without a significant fight.

Uncertain Future

The resurgence of violence in Syria has renewed concerns about the possibility of a broader escalation. Rebel gains challenge the Assad regime’s grip on power, while international involvement raises the stakes of an already complex conflict.

For civilians caught in the crossfire, the future remains uncertain. Displaced families face bleak conditions in overcrowded camps, and humanitarian organizations warn of a looming crisis as winter approaches.

Meanwhile, the rebel advance and subsequent government response have demonstrated that Syria’s civil war is far from over. As the situation unfolds, the prospects for peace and stability remain as elusive as ever.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members