Fri Dec 06 22:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Syrian Rebels Advance on Homs Amidst Major Offensive, Raising Fears of Wider Conflict

**DAMASCUS, SYRIA** – A sweeping rebel offensive in Syria has gained significant momentum, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. Rebels, having seized control of Aleppo and Hama in the past week, are now rapidly advancing on Homs, prompting a mass exodus of civilians. A simultaneous uprising in southern Daraa province further complicates the situation, with rebels there claiming to have captured a major military base and vowing to march on Damascus.

The United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that at least 370,000 people, mainly women and children, have been displaced due to the escalating violence. Casualty figures remain unconfirmed due to the fluid situation, but local authorities suggest hundreds may be dead or wounded. OCHA has warned of grave threats to civilians and humanitarian workers, alongside significant damage to infrastructure.

The escalating conflict has prompted international concern. Russia, a key ally of the Syrian regime, has urged its citizens to leave Syria due to the “difficult military and political situation.” Israel has also raised its military preparedness, launching airstrikes on alleged Hezbollah weapon-smuggling routes near the Syrian-Lebanese border. Iran, Iraq, and Syria issued a joint statement condemning the rebel offensive and Israeli actions, calling for collective action and peaceful solutions.

Kurdish-led forces in northeastern Syria have also deployed troops, fearing the spillover of violence into their territory. The rebels’ advance has captured a Syria-Jordan border crossing, prompting Jordan to close its adjacent border crossing.

Analysts suggest the Syrian regime may struggle to withstand the offensive without significant Russian military support, which appears unlikely given Russia’s involvement in the war in Ukraine. However, Turkish President Erdogan has expressed a wish for the rebel advance to continue without incident.

The offensive is being led by a coalition of rebel groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al-Qaeda affiliate, and the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army. The involvement of Druze fighters in the southern offensive adds another layer of complexity to the conflict. The rebels’ stated goal is the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad. The rapid developments leave the future of Syria increasingly uncertain.

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