In the past four years, HTS and its allies have invested in professionalizing their forces and acquiring drones and other materiel, creating a formidable force that Assad’s regime has struggled to defend against. The group has also strengthened its diplomatic ties, negotiating with various groups and military commanders. While some may view this shift in messaging as superficial, it could be critical in determining future outcomes. In northern Homs, conflicting reports emerged regarding the proximity of HTS-led forces, while the Syrian defense ministry claimed to be targeting rebels with artillery, missiles, and airstrikes.
The Syrian civil war has seen heavy Russian-led bombing of civilian infrastructure, with reports of airstrikes on border crossings and roads near Homs. Meanwhile, the Israeli Air Force targeted weapon-smuggling routes and terror infrastructure near the Syrian-Lebanese border, used by Hezbollah to smuggle weapons. This action follows a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah after months of fighting.
In other parts of Syria, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) seized government positions in Raqqa and Deir Ez-Zour, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. This highlights the complex and shifting dynamics in the conflict, with various factions vying for control. The involvement of external backers like Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah further complicates the situation, underscoring the challenges faced by those seeking to navigate Syria’s intricate web of alliances and conflicts.
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