Rebels from the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have announced a significant victory in Syria, claiming to have captured the strategically important city of Homs.
The group shared the news on Telegram, shortly after their leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, released a video statement declaring: “We are living in the final moments of the liberation of the city of Homs… this historic event that will distinguish between truth and falsehood.”
This advancement comes amid a rapidly deteriorating security situation in Syria, as opposition forces continue to make gains towards the capital, Damascus. The Syrian army has been fortifying its positions in the capital’s suburbs, while claiming that Syria is under a “terrorist” and propaganda campaign aimed at destabilizing the region.
As the fighting intensifies, multi-country talks in Doha have concluded, with foreign ministers from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey, and Iran, convening alongside UN special envoy Geir Pedersen. The discussions focused on finding a way to halt the ongoing conflict, but details from the closed-door talks remain scarce.
The United Nations has also taken precautionary measures, relocating non-critical staff from Syria due to escalating violence and the proximity of opposition forces to Damascus. According to UN humanitarian coordinator Adam Abdelmoula, over 370,000 people have been displaced by the ongoing fighting, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
Meanwhile, about 2,000 Syrian soldiers have crossed into Iraq seeking refuge as opposition fighters close in on Damascus. Iraq’s government has registered the soldiers’ weapons and equipment, offering them shelter in line with humanitarian principles. Security concerns have also arisen regarding the al-Hol camp, where detained Islamic State group members and their families are being held.
In the midst of these developments, tensions continue to rise in Damascus, with residents reporting heightened military presence and rising food prices. Many shops have closed, and those that remain open are selling goods at inflated prices, adding to the uncertainty in the capital.