Syrian Rebels Seize Daraa, Marking Major Blow to Assad's Forces

 Syrian rebels announced the capture of Daraa on Saturday, the birthplace of the 2011 uprising against President Bashar al-Assad. This marks the fourth major city lost by Assad’s forces in just one week, underscoring a swift and significant shift in the ongoing conflict.

Rebels Secure Daraa After Military Withdrawal

Rebel sources revealed that government forces agreed to withdraw from Daraa under a deal ensuring safe passage to Damascus, approximately 100 kilometers to the north. Videos circulated on social media showed jubilant rebels celebrating alongside residents, with gunfire ringing out in the city’s main square.

The military and Assad’s government have not commented on the development, and independent verification of the rebels’ claim remains pending.

Strategic and Symbolic Importance

Daraa holds deep symbolic value as the epicenter of the uprising that erupted 13 years ago. Once home to more than 100,000 people, the city’s fall is both a psychological and strategic setback for Assad. It also represents the culmination of a rapid campaign by rebel forces, who now control a string of significant urban centers, including Aleppo and Hama.

The capture of Daraa comes amid reports of rebel advances toward Homs, a critical transportation hub connecting Damascus to the Mediterranean coast. If Homs falls, it would sever Assad’s capital from his Alawite strongholds and key Russian military installations.

“Our forces have liberated the last village on the outskirts of Homs and are now at its gates,” declared the faction leading the assault on the Telegram messaging app. Meanwhile, thousands of residents have fled Homs, heading toward coastal strongholds in Latakia and Tartus.

Assad's Regime Under Growing Pressure

Assad’s forces face mounting challenges on multiple fronts. On Friday, a U.S.-backed Kurdish alliance captured Deir ez-Zor, the government’s primary stronghold in the eastern desert. Additionally, Islamic State fighters have reportedly regained footholds in parts of eastern Syria, further destabilizing the region.

Experts warn that Assad’s position is increasingly tenuous. Aron Lund, a fellow at the Century Foundation, described the situation as critical. “The government is fighting for its survival at this point,” he said, adding that holding Homs is unlikely given the pace of the rebel advance.

Escalating Violence and Airstrikes

The Assad regime, backed by Russian and Iranian allies, has responded with intensified airstrikes. Syrian state media reported that joint Syrian-Russian operations targeted rebel positions in Hama, Idlib, and Aleppo, killing at least 200 insurgents on Friday.

Iran-backed Hezbollah forces have also moved to bolster government defenses in Homs. Despite these efforts, the rebels’ territorial gains have dealt a severe blow to Assad’s grip on the country.

Shifting Alliances and Rebel Momentum

The rapid rebel advances reflect a reenergized insurgency after years of stagnation. Sunni militant groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have exploited vulnerabilities in Assad’s coalition. Iran’s recent withdrawal of personnel from Syria amid its own regional challenges further signals a weakening of the Assad regime’s support network.

HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani, in an interview with The New York Times, declared the operation a turning point. “This operation broke the enemy,” he stated, vowing to end Assad’s rule.

As the conflict enters a volatile new phase, the rebel gains threaten to isolate Damascus and unravel years of hard-won territorial control by Assad’s forces. With the insurgents surging and Assad’s allies stretched thin, the balance of power in Syria appears to be shifting once again.