Syrian rebel offensive continues as Russians flee

The offensive launched on Nov. 27 by Syrian opposition forces, supported by Türkiye and Ukraine, against Bashar al-Assad’s dictatorial regime is rapidly gaining momentum. 

On Dec. 1, rebels captured Aleppo, a key strategic city in northern Syria, and have since advanced towards the south, targeting the strategically vital cities of Hama and Homs, according to Reuters.

The opposition coalition, “Military Operations Command,” is working to cut off Assad’s forces from the crucial road to Damascus, reports The Guardian. As of Dec. 4, the rebels are pushing towards Hama province in western Syria, which links Aleppo in the north with key southern locations, including Homs, Latakia, Tartus, and Damascus.

Fighting continues between the opposition and government troops. 

“Russian and Syrian fighter jets executed several airstrikes on the outskirts of Souran, Morek and Khan Sheikhoun in Hama countryside,” reports the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Meanwhile, Russian forces are suffering significant losses in Syria, according to Ukraine’s military intelligence. 

“Some Russian units are surrounded, and hundreds of Russian soldiers are reported missing in Syria,” the statement adds.

In response to these losses and growing panic among Russian troops, the Kremlin has dismissed General Sergey Kiselyov, the commander of its forces in Syria.

In Damascus, the first signs of armed unrest have appeared, with Russian military personnel and diplomats hurriedly leaving the Syrian capital, according to intelligence sources.

“The Russian military in Syria is demoralized by the opposition’s successes – especially the capture of Aleppo, ongoing battles near Hama, and their advance toward Homs,” the report states.

Ukrainian specialists are believed to have provided assistance in preparing drones for the rebels, according to Russian sources in Syrian intelligence. Opposition forces are also using advanced American technology.

Syrian rebels are seizing Russian arms and equipment as trophies, reports the Defense Express magazine. Among the captured items are a seemingly functional Russian-made Pantsir-S1 surface-to-air missile system and a BM-27 Uragan multiple launch rocket system.

On Dec. 3, Russia evacuated all military ships from its base in Tartus, Syria, reports BBC. 

“Military experts suggest that the evacuation of the warships may indicate that Russia is uncertain whether they can be adequately protected,” the report states.

These actions may also suggest that the Kremlin has no immediate plans to send significant reinforcements to support Assad’s regime, according to the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War.

The coordination between Syrian rebels and Ukraine continues, particularly in countering Russian disinformation and providing medical assistance, said Mouaz Moustafa, the executive director of the Syrian Emergency Task Force, in an interview with The New York Times.

“Two nations are fighting for their country to be free of tyranny and outside occupation. It’s natural for them to coordinate,” said the director of an American humanitarian organization that works for democracy in Syria.

This offensive marks the first major military engagement in Syria in four years. The unexpected operation by the Syrian opposition is strategically beneficial to both Turkiye and Israel. If successful, it could significantly weaken the Assad regime, which is backed by Russia and Iran. Russia supports Assad to maintain influence in the region, while Iran uses him as a key player in its efforts to counter U.S. and allied influence. 

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