Syrian insurgents have seized control of Hama, marking a significant defeat for President Bashar Assad’s forces. The insurgents entered the city after three days of intense clashes, taking over key sites such as the police command headquarters, a sprawling air base, and the central prison, where hundreds of detainees were freed. This development is seen as a pivotal moment in Syria’s ongoing conflict.
Strategic Importance of Hama
Hama, Syria’s fourth-largest city, holds immense strategic value. It serves as a critical intersection, linking the country’s north, east, west, and center. Its proximity to Homs, a city just 40 kilometers to the south, positions it as a gateway to Damascus, Assad’s seat of power, and Latakia, a coastal province and stronghold of support for the regime.
Historically, Hama is infamous for the 1982 massacre, during which security forces under Hafez Assad, the current president’s father, brutally suppressed a Muslim Brotherhood uprising, resulting in thousands of deaths. The city’s capture by insurgents, who have not controlled it during the conflict until now, is both a tactical and symbolic blow to Assad’s government.
Escalation of the Conflict
This victory comes shortly after insurgents captured Aleppo, Syria’s largest city and an economic hub. Aleppo’s fall marked the first opposition attack on the city since 2016 when Assad regained it with the help of Russian airstrikes. The recent insurgent victories signal a shift in momentum after years of stalemate in the civil war.
The offensive in Hama was spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a powerful insurgent group that once operated as al-Qaida’s branch in Syria, alongside the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army. The Syrian army, citing the need to protect civilians, withdrew to positions outside the city after failing to repel the attackers, who reportedly employed suicide bombings to breach defenses.
Future Implications
Following the fall of Hama, the insurgents are expected to turn their focus southward to Homs. Capturing Homs could open a direct path to Damascus, putting Assad’s power base at risk. The current offensive also threatens Latakia, further jeopardizing the regime’s strongholds.
The renewed conflict has displaced tens of thousands of people since the offensive began on November 27. The surge in violence coincides with a period of distraction for Assad’s key allies, Russia and Iran, both of which are preoccupied with their own geopolitical conflicts. This shift in focus has created an opening for insurgent forces to regain momentum.
A Turning Point
The fall of Hama is a turning point in Syria’s civil war, with implications for both the Assad regime and the broader regional balance. It underscores the fragile state of the government’s control and the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups. With the focus now likely shifting to Homs and possibly Damascus, the next phase of the conflict could determine the future of Assad’s hold on power.
