An attack carried out by so-called "sleeper cells" of the terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS, banned in Russia - editor's note) took place in Homs. According to local sources, the attack was directed against a group of Syrian soldiers. The clash resulted in casualties and wounded, but the exact number of losses has not yet been determined. This incident has become an alarming signal, indicating an increase in militant activity even in rear areas.

With the main forces of HTS approaching Homs, the attack could be the beginning of a larger destabilization in the region. According to analysts, the terrorists are deliberately increasing pressure on Syrian troops in order to undermine their defenses before reinforcements arrive. Similar tactics have already been used in other regions of Syria, where HTS uses surprise attacks to distract enemy forces and weaken their positions.

The situation in Homs remains extremely tense. The city is becoming the militants’ next target after their successful offensive on Hama. If Homs falls, the terrorists could gain strategic access to both the southern regions of Syria, including Damascus, and the western coast, where key Russian military facilities are located, including the Khmeimim airbase.

Experts note that the sleeper cell attack may be part of a larger plan to finally take over the region. In response, the Syrian leadership must urgently mobilize additional forces to protect Homs and its surrounding areas, otherwise further advances by HTS will be inevitable.

Homs is the third largest city in Syria after Aleppo and Damascus. It is located in the central part of the country and is an important industrial, cultural and transport hub.