The Syrian military has dispatched additional troops to the northern countryside of Hama, a pivotal region now witnessing intense clashes with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied factions. This strategic move comes as rebel groups intensify their offensive following the recent seizure of Aleppo.
While the pro-government Sham FM has reported ongoing battles approximately eight kilometers northeast of Hama, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights counters that HTS is advancing from multiple directions, effectively tightening its control over Aleppo. Both Russian and Syrian airstrikes have intensified, targeting rebel positions across Hama, southeastern Aleppo, and the Badia desert, escalating the conflict further.
In the eastern province of Deir el-Zour, fierce fighting continues between government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), supported by a U.S.-led coalition. Recent U.S. airstrikes near a military base have resulted in the deaths of six elite Syrian Republican Guard soldiers. Despite these aggressive actions, the SDF has only achieved limited territorial gains amidst the ongoing confrontation.
The humanitarian situation in Aleppo has deteriorated drastically since the province fell to rebel control on Friday. Essential services and infrastructure have collapsed, leaving thousands of displaced residents from Shiite towns such as Nubl and Zahraa stranded in al-Safira. These individuals are confronting freezing temperatures and a severe lack of adequate shelter, with around 2,000 people trapped without safe corridors to escape the rebel-controlled areas.
Healthcare facilities are in disarray, with major hospitals like Zahi Azraq, al-Razi, and Ibn Rushd severely damaged or non-operational. Medical staff continue to work tirelessly to manage emergencies despite significant equipment shortages. Meanwhile, reports have surfaced of armed groups conducting home invasions and looting under the guise of inspections, further endangering the residents.
Communications blackouts and the shutdown of financial services have exacerbated the crisis, leaving the city paralyzed. Humanitarian agencies are urgently working to address shortages of food, medical supplies, and other essential needs. Efforts to restore water and electricity intermittently and distribute bread have provided some relief, but the overall situation remains dire.
\"The situation in Aleppo requires urgent intervention by the United Nations to avert a humanitarian catastrophe,\" the Observatory stated, emphasizing the need for global attention to the escalating conflicts in Deir el-Zour and Hama. Without swift and coordinated action, the continued fighting threatens to further destabilize the region as rival factions vie for control over strategic territories.
Reference(s):
Syrian military bolsters defenses in Hama amid rebel advances
cgtn.com
