Syrian rebels have captured Hama as the army withdraws, marking a significant gain following the recent recapture of Aleppo. This development symbolizes a resurgence in the conflict and historical grievances tied to past massacres. Rebel leaders have declared intentions to further liberate Homs, as the civil war re-ignites after years of dormancy.
The Syrian army has announced its withdrawal from Hama, a city of significant strategic and symbolic importance, which represents a notable advance for a newly formed coalition of rebel forces. This shift follows the recent recapture of Aleppo by rebel groups last week. In a statement from the Syrian military, reported by state news outlet SANA, it was confirmed that intense clashes resulted in rebel forces infiltrating various parts of Hama.
Rebel leader Abu Mohammad Al Jolani of Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS) claimed the incursion into Hama aims to address longstanding grievances. The city is historically significant, as it was the site of a disastrous massacre in 1982 under the orders of President Hafez al-Assad, the current president’s father. The deaths during this period are estimated by Amnesty International to be between 10,000 and 25,000, aggravating historical wounds.
The recent developments in Hama have reinvigorated the civil war in Syria, a conflict that escalated after protests against President Bashar al-Assad’s rule began in 2011. This civil unrest initially rose to prominence during the Arab Spring, where Hama witnessed some of the earliest demonstrations against the regime. The rebels now advocate for further advances into Homs, announcing that the time to revolutionize against oppression had arrived for the citizens of that city.
The Syrian civil war, which has engulfed the country since 2011, began as a response to oppressive governance and the brutal crackdown on protests during the Arab Spring. Hama, strategically located at critical supply routes between Damascus and Aleppo, has been a focal point of this conflict. The recent advances by rebel forces, including their recovery of Aleppo, signify a resurgence of opposition against the Assad regime, drawing the attention of international observers and military analysts alike. Rebel forces have gained momentum, posing a renewed challenge to the authority of the Syrian military and its allies, particularly amidst the historical context of atrocities committed in Hama during the 1980s.
In conclusion, the Syrian army’s withdrawal from Hama marks a significant turn in the ongoing civil war, highlighting the increasing strength and determination of rebel forces. The historical significance of the city, coupled with the recent capture of Aleppo, suggests that the conflict may be entering a new phase. As rebels vow to continue their advance towards Homs, the situation remains fraught with potential for further escalation and humanitarian concerns amidst the challenges faced by the already beleaguered populace.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
