The Syrian opposition, including militants from the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS, a terrorist group banned in Russia – editor’s note), has fully established control over the northern countryside of Homs province. This region, which previously remained under the control of government forces, has become a new springboard for the opposition’s offensive. According to monitoring resources and local sources, the rebels quickly occupied key settlements, forcing Syrian troops to retreat.

Establishing control over the northern part of Homs opens the way for the opposition to the strategically important city of Homs, which is the third largest settlement in Syria and an important transport hub. If the militants manage to develop the offensive, this will create a direct threat to the southern regions of the country, including the capital Damascus, as well as to the western coast, where Russian military bases are located.

According to local sources, the rebels are using aggressive tactics, including the massive use of drones and artillery, making it difficult for government forces to defend themselves. At the same time, the Syrian army is trying to organize defensive lines on the approaches to Homs. However, the situation remains critical: the army is losing ground and is forced to regroup.

Iran, which is also a strong supporter of Damascus, is considering sending more troops into Syria, but this comes at the risk of Israeli airstrikes, making the situation in the region even more complicated.