Syrian rebels said today that they had begun to enter Hama, a key city where pro-government forces, backed by intense Russian airstrikes, are trying to prevent another victory for the rebels and halt their lightning advance. reported Reuters, quoted by BTA.
Rebel commander Hassan Abdul Ghani posted on social media that opposition forces had begun to enter Hama. State media reported earlier that pro-government forces repelled the attack.
Rebels have been trying to enter Hama since Tuesday and there were heavy clashes last night with the Syrian army and Iran-backed paramilitary groups backed by Russian airstrikes, both sides of the conflict said.
Rebels seized control of the main northern city of Aleppo a week ago and have since been advancing south from their enclave in northwestern Syria, reaching a strategic high ground north of Hama on Tuesday and advancing on the city's eastern and western outskirts yesterday.< /p>
Hama remained under government control during the civil war that broke out in 2011. The fall of the city could severely shake Damascus and its Russian and Iranian allies, and also open the way for the rebels to advance on the city of Homs, a key crossroads in the country.
Hama is also critical for controlling two cities with significant minority religious communities – Maharda, where many Christians live, and Salamia, inhabited mainly by Ismaili Muslims.
The most powerful rebel group is the Sunni Islamist “Hayat Tahrir al-Sham“, a former branch of “Al Qaeda” in Syria. Its leader, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, has said he will protect Syria's religious minorities, but many remain fearful of the rebels.
Al Golani visited Aleppo's historic fortress yesterday in what is seen as a moment to symbolize the uprising of Syrian rebel groups that were pushed out of the city in 2016. after months of siege and fierce fighting.
„Hayat Tahrir al-Sham“ and other rebel groups are trying to consolidate their control over Aleppo, placing it under the rule of the so-called "Government of Salvation" which they established in their northwestern enclave.
Aleppo residents now report food and fuel shortages and telecommunications down.
Russia and Iran were crucial to Assad's success in regaining control of most of Syria's territory and its main cities between 2015 and 2020. and have undertaken to help him. But Moscow is currently at war in Ukraine, while Iran's most important regional ally – The Lebanese movement “Hezbollah”, for years helping Assad in Syria, has suffered heavy losses from Israel in the last two months, notes Reuters.