Anti-Assad Rebels Seize Key Southern Syrian Region, Marking Major Shift in Civil War

Introduction: Rebel forces in southern Syria have reportedly taken control of most of the Deraa region, a crucial area both strategically and symbolically. Deraa, the birthplace of the 2011 uprising against President Bashar al-Assad, has seen intense fighting between anti-Assad rebels and government forces. This development, coupled with the escalating violence in northern Syria, signals a significant turning point in the ongoing civil war.

Rebel Gains in Deraa Region: The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a UK-based monitoring group, reported that rebel forces now control over 90% of the Deraa region. The only remaining area under government control is Sanamayn. Rebel forces reportedly captured numerous military sites after fierce battles with Syrian government troops. According to rebel sources, a deal was struck for the government army to withdraw, with military officials granted safe passage to the capital, Damascus, roughly 100 kilometers away.

Deraa holds both symbolic and strategic importance. It is the provincial capital of the region and near the main border crossings to Jordan. Moreover, it was in Deraa that pro-democracy protests began in 2011, igniting the civil war. The situation in Deraa has caused Jordan to close its border and issue a travel warning for its citizens in Syria, citing the increasingly volatile conditions.

Rebel Movements and Clashes in the North: The ongoing conflict in the north is also critical to the changing landscape of the war. Reports indicate that rebel forces in the north launched a significant offensive more than a week ago, marking the largest attack on government positions in years. This offensive has exposed the vulnerabilities of the Syrian military. The rebels have already captured key locations, including the city of Hama, north of Homs.

The Syrian government has fought back with airstrikes, particularly around the strategic city of Homs. Rebel forces are now pushing towards Homs, and the government is also facing increased pressure from Kurdish-led forces who have captured Deir Ezzor, a major government stronghold in the desert region. Air strikes by Syrian forces have killed at least 20 civilians in the suburbs of Homs, highlighting the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict on civilian populations.

The Impact of Rebel Advances: As the fighting intensifies, more than 370,000 people have been displaced, according to the United Nations. This displacement exacerbates the already dire humanitarian crisis in Syria, particularly in the north. Many civilians find themselves trapped in front-line areas, unable to reach safer locations. The SOHR reports that at least 820 people have been killed since the beginning of the rebel offensive, including over 100 civilians.

Shifting Alliances and Iranian Involvement: In a significant development, reports from the New York Times suggest that Iran, a key ally of President Assad, has begun evacuating its military personnel from Syria. This move is seen as a sign of the shifting dynamics of the conflict. Iran’s withdrawal raises questions about the future of Assad’s position, as his military relies heavily on support from Iran and Russia.

The Role of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS): The rebel offensive in the north has been led in large part by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist militant group that is a significant player in the insurgency. The group's leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, addressed residents in Homs, signaling that the city would be the next target on their path toward Damascus. HTS’s growing influence in the region underscores the shifting balance of power among rebel factions.

Conclusion: The dramatic advances by anti-Assad rebels in southern Syria and the north, coupled with significant shifts in military and political alliances, suggest that the conflict is entering a new phase. The Syrian government, weakened by internal and external pressures, faces serious challenges as rebel forces gain ground. The situation remains fluid, with civilians suffering the most from the escalating violence. The international community, including Jordan, the US, and the UK, continues to monitor developments closely, urging citizens to leave Syria as the conflict intensifies.        

Here are some references and the type of content you can search for:

1. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) You can visit the SOHR website for their latest reports on the situation in Syria: https://www.syriahr.com/en/
2. Reuters News Agency Reuters has covered the developments extensively, including the rebel advances in Deraa and the north of Syria. You can search for articles related to Deraa and Syrian military operations on their site: https://www.reuters.com/
3. BBC News Coverage The BBC has reported on the situation in Deraa, the rebel advances, and the humanitarian crisis. You can search for relevant news articles on their website: https://www.bbc.com/news
4. The New York Times For more detailed articles about Iran's role in Syria and the shifting dynamics of the conflict, visit The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/
5. Jordan's Ministry of Interior You can also check Jordan's official statements regarding the closure of the border and travel advisories on their Ministry of Interior's website: https://www.moi.gov.jo/