Islamist rebels have captured Hama, a pivotal city in Syria, during a rapid offensive, igniting celebrations among supporters and raising alarms about their advance toward Damascus. The city’s historical significance stems from a brutal crackdown in the 1980s, and its loss poses a serious challenge to President Assad. As rebels continue to gain ground, questions arise about the future of Assad’s regime and the uncertain support from allies like Russia and Iran, amid an escalating humanitarian crisis.
Islamist Rebels Capture Hama: A Turning Point in the Syrian Conflict
Just one week into their significant offensive in Syria, Islamist rebels have successfully entered the strategically vital city of Hama. While many supporters are celebrating this advancement and envisioning an end to the current regime, others express concerns about the rebels’ march toward Damascus.
The atmosphere in Hama was electric as the rebels were greeted with cheers, honking horns, and applause. The Islamist fighters have shared homemade videos showcasing their triumphant entry into Syria’s fourth-largest city, chanting “God is great!” and proclaiming, “We are in the center of Hama.”
In a video message shared on social media, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, the leader of the primary Islamist militia Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, expressed his satisfaction: “Dear brothers, your fighting brethren, the revolutionaries, have begun to enter the city of Hama to heal the 40-year-old wound in Syria. I pray to Allah that the liberation of Hama will be marked by mercy and kindness, not revenge.”
Al-Jolani aims to present a more approachable image by adopting his civilian name, Ahmed al-Shara, in place of his former jihadist alias.
A Significant Blow to Assad’s Regime
The reference to the “40-year-old wound” highlights Hama’s symbolic importance. In the 1980s, Hama was the site of a brutal crackdown on Islamist Muslim Brotherhood protests led by Assad’s father, resulting in approximately 20,000 deaths. Since that time, Hama has remained under government control, even throughout the ongoing civil war.
This loss is particularly devastating for Syrian President Assad, as the rebels may now press forward towards Homs and potentially Damascus. Reports indicate that populations in Homs and Daraa are bracing for the rebels’ approach, according to Al-Jolani. Analysts note that Assad is facing immense pressure, especially considering how swiftly the militias moved the roughly 100 kilometers from Aleppo to Hama.
“The distance between Aleppo and Hama is considerable,” stated military expert Hatem Al Falahi, a former brigade general in the Iraqi army, in an interview with Al Jazeera. “Government forces had the chance to establish a defensive line but failed to do so. We are now witnessing a retreat under fire, and the situation could lead to a defeat for Assad.”
Amidst the celebrations of some, others are fleeing the city. Images reveal long queues of cars filled with people attempting to escape Hama for other Syrian cities. Furthermore, tens of thousands are reportedly fleeing from Aleppo, particularly towards the Kurdish-dominated areas in the northeast, where conditions remain dire. “We have no blankets, mattresses, or tents,” lamented one refugee. “We have fallen ill, and there is no medicine. We have nothing.”
The Future of Assad’s Regime in Question
The ongoing conflict raises questions about the future of Syria and the whereabouts of Assad’s allies, Russia and Iran. These nations have played a crucial role in maintaining Assad’s power throughout the civil war. However, their current support appears uncertain. Recent airstrikes by Russia against the militias seem overshadowed by its commitments in Ukraine, while Iran faces challenges due to its ongoing conflict with Israel and Hezbollah’s losses in Lebanon.
Recent reports suggest that reinforcements for Assad’s troops are coming solely from pro-Iranian militias in Iraq—a response that may prove insufficient to defend Hama. Al-Jolani has cautioned Iraq against sending further supporters to assist Assad. With fierce determination, the militias aim to continue their advance toward the capital, seeking to bring about Assad’s overthrow.