Syrian rebels have captured the southern city of Daraa, marking the fourth city lost by President Bashar al-Assad’s forces within a week. The capture comes amid a rapid rebel offensive that has recently advanced toward Homs, a critical city that links Damascus with the Mediterranean coast.
Rebel sources revealed that a deal had been struck, allowing the military to withdraw from Daraa safely. Reports suggest army officials were granted passage to Damascus. The city, considered the birthplace of the 2011 uprising, holds symbolic importance and is located in a strategic province bordering Jordan.
Social media posts showcased celebratory scenes of rebels mingling with locals, firing shots into the air, and marking their victory. The loss of Daraa adds to mounting challenges for Assad’s forces, already under immense pressure from a series of territorial defeats.
The coalition, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), is now focusing efforts on Homs, urging Assad’s loyalists to defect. Capturing Homs would cut off Damascus from Assad’s coastal strongholds and key military bases. The city’s strategic importance makes it a critical target in the ongoing offensive.
As violence escalates, thousands of civilians have fled Homs, seeking refuge in government-controlled coastal regions. The recent advances by the rebels represent some of the most significant and swift territorial gains since the conflict began over a decade ago.
The rapid progression underscores the growing threat to Assad’s rule, as rebel forces strengthen their hold on key areas. These developments highlight the worsening humanitarian crisis and the shifting dynamics of the Syrian civil war.
