Syrian opposition forces declared in a dramatic turnaround that it has captured control of Homs, and this announcement is being tagged as a turning point in the war that has ravaged the land since 2011. The declaration would be branded as the "liberation of Homs," following reports that opposition fighters also entered Damascus, bringing the strongest challenge to Bashar al-Assad's rule in ten years.
Abu Mohammed al-Julani, the head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), responded to the victory with a statement declaring his determination to safeguard civilians in regions under the control of rebel forces, appealing for unity in the ranks of the insurgent groups. He added that the government was on its way out. "This is the start of the end for tyranny in Syria," declared al-Julani in his broadcast statement, urging his troops to push forward in dismantling the regime.
Breaking Out of Sednaya Prison
It comes at a time when forces loyal to the opposition seem to gain momentum, asserting they freed all prisoners detained at Sednaya Prison near Damascus. For many years, Sednaya has symbolized state repression through torture and abuse.
The era of tyranny at Sednaya has ended, the armed opposition declared in a statement, greeted with jubilation by families of detainees and human rights advocates who had chronicled the atrocities committed behind its walls.
The freed prisoners not only boost the morale of the opposition but also underpin the Syrian government's weak grip on some of its institutions.
Government Forces Regroup Around Damascus
Despite rebel gains, the Syrian army has begun to shore up its positions in Damascus, rubbishing reports that al-Assad has abandoned the capital. Official spokespeople have branded these allegations as psychological warfare designed to demoralize loyalist troops.
Military analysts consider the battle for Damascus a verdict on the outcome of the conflict, and both sides appear to be preparing for what might be a long urban battle.
Regional Powers Call for Political Solution
As the crisis worsens, regional powers, such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Turkey, and Russia, issued a joint statement demanding a political solution. The statement called the increasing violence a "dangerous development" and appealed to international parties to intervene.
However, with the opposition’s rapid gains and al-Julani’s rhetoric emphasizing military victory, prospects for negotiation appear slim.
Who Is Abu Mohammed al-Julani?
The central figure of the renewed opposition is Abu Mohammed al-Julani, the commander of HTS. Born Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, al-Julani has been controversial in Syria's opposition landscape. His transformation from an al-Qaeda operative in Iraq to the leader of HTS underscores his adaptability in the conflict.
After establishing the al-Nusra Front, an affiliate of al-Qaeda, in Syria, al-Julani began to slowly break ties with the global jihadist movement, instead focusing on bringing down Assad's regime. Under his leadership, HTS has established itself as the dominant force in Idlib, emphasizing a blend of military action and governance in areas under its control.
Damascus Awaits Its Fate
The opposition claim of entering Damascus marks a historic moment in the Syrian Civil War. As rebel forces approach the capital, city citizens prepare themselves for the uncertainty that hangs over their lives.
While the opposition claims its victory, it will be in Damascus where the battle outcome determines whether Syria will get nearer to positive change or plunge deeper into chaos. As for now, the collapse of Homs and the liberation of Sednaya Prison will stand as notable landmarks on the path of the fight against the regime of Bashar Assad.
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