The ongoing conflict in Syria has taken a significant turn as rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have captured several key cities in the south, including Daraa. This marks the fourth major territorial gain by the rebels in just one week, signaling a major shift in the civil war that has been ongoing since 2011.
In addition to Daraa, rebel forces have also taken control of Aleppo, Hama, and Homs, destabilizing the region further. Experts warn that if Homs falls, it could cut off the capital, Damascus, from the coastal regions, which are home to President Bashar al-Assad's Alawite sect and vital Russian military bases. The escalating violence has led to the displacement of tens of thousands of civilians seeking safety.
This rebel offensive is the largest since 2020, when insurgents were pushed into northern Syria. However, the recent resurgence has taken many by surprise. In response to the deteriorating situation, Iran has started evacuating its personnel, including troops and diplomats. Iranian officials cited the worsening security environment as the primary reason for the evacuation.
Iran has been a strong ally of the Assad government throughout the civil war, but with the advancing rebel forces threatening to topple the regime, Tehran has reassessed its position. Iranian analyst Mehdi Rahmati said, “Iran is starting to evacuate its forces because we cannot fight as an advisory and support force if Syria’s army itself does not want to fight. Iran has realized that it cannot manage the situation with military operations.”
In the midst of the conflict, Russia is also facing its challenges with the ongoing war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has its focus diverted due to tensions with Israel.
On Friday, the Iranian evacuation saw personnel moved to Lebanon, Iraq, and Iran. Despite the evacuations, reports indicate that Iran has continued to send military equipment and advisers to assist Assad’s forces.
Meanwhile, Syrian state media reported that Russian-Syrian airstrikes killed at least 200 insurgents in Hama, Idlib, and Aleppo. Despite these efforts, the tide seems to be turning in favor of the rebels, as casualties mount and a humanitarian crisis deepens.
In light of the increasing instability, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a travel advisory, urging nationals to avoid travel to Syria. Those already in Syria are advised to stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Damascus for safety updates.
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