Hey readers! The conflict in Syria just hit a new level this week, with government forces launching a major offensive in Homs while rebels scored surprise victories in southern regions. Let’s break it down. 🔥
Gov’t Forces Push Forward in Homs
Backed by Russian airpower 🇷🇺, Syrian troops targeted opposition-held towns like al-Dar al-Kabira and Talbiseh, claiming to have destroyed rebel vehicles and weaponry. State media reported ‘mass retreat’ among opposition fighters. Amid the chaos, Homs’ governor did a late-night bakery tour 🍞 to ensure bread supplies—a symbolic move to calm civilians.
Rebels Seize Southern Cities
Opposition groups flexed their muscles too:
📌 Captured Daraa City, the provincial capital.
📌 Now control ~80% of Daraa Province (per war monitors).
📌 Took over Sweida’s police HQ without firing a shot—though gunfire later sparked curfews.
Regional Tensions Rise
Neighbors Lebanon and Israel 🛡️ have beefed up border troops, fearing spillover violence. Meanwhile, Syria’s foreign minister met Iraqi and Iranian officials in Baghdad to discuss ‘regional security.’ Iraq’s PM called for Arab nations to coordinate on Syria’s crisis.
With rebels now holding Hama, Aleppo, and Idlib, this 12-year war shows no signs of cooling off. Stay tuned for updates. 💬
