The situation in central Syria continues to escalate: Islamist militants have captured the strategically important city of Rastan, despite recent Russian air strikes aimed at destroying the bridge connecting Hama and Homs. According to local sources, the resistance of Syrian government forces in Rastan was suppressed within a few hours, after which Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS, a terrorist group banned in Russia – editor's note) militants began advancing towards Homs.

Rebel forces are reported to have approached the outskirts of Homs, Syria's third-largest city. However, the assault on the city has not yet begun, which is likely due to the regrouping of forces and the expectation of reinforcements. The list of settlements captured by militants in the northern part of Homs province includes such cities and villages as Tir Maale, Talbiseh, Al-Zaafarana, Deir Ful, Asila, Abu Hamam, Al-Hashimiyah, Granada, and a number of other settlements.

The loss of Rastan opens a direct route to Homs for the militants, posing a serious threat to government forces. If Homs falls, the militants will be able to gain access to strategic areas leading both to the coast and to the country's capital, Damascus. The capture of these territories could call into question the possibility of official Damascus's continued control over the central part of the country.

Experts note that the active use of drones, as well as a broad offensive front, allow the militants to maintain the initiative despite air strikes. Russian and Syrian forces continue to carry out air strikes on key nodes and enemy positions, but the situation on the ground is developing in favor of the opposition forces.