Rebels encircle Damascus as Syrian government denies retreat amid escalating conflict

Rebel forces advancing through Syria have claimed they are now encircling the capital, Damascus, as government forces deny any strategic withdrawal from areas near the city.

The development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, with territorial losses reported in key regions.

Rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani, leading an Islamist coalition in the offensive, stated on Saturday, "Our forces have begun the final phase of encircling the capital, Damascus." This announcement follows rapid territorial gains by the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies since the launch of their offensive on November 27.

However, Syria’s defence ministry strongly rejected these claims, asserting, "There is no truth to news claiming our armed forces have withdrawn from Damascus or its surrounding areas." Despite the denial, reports suggest government forces are struggling, with losses in southern Daraa province and the strategic Quneitra region near the Israel-annexed Golan Heights.

According to the Syria Observatory for Human Rights, government forces have pulled out of Daraa province entirely and abandoned key military positions near Quneitra. This marks the first time the Syrian army has vacated the region, which is vital due to its proximity to Israel and Jordan. Additionally, reports suggest that these shifts indicate strategic setbacks for the government, further emboldening the rebel advance.

Abdel Ghani emphasized their territorial advances in areas with diverse religious minorities, saying, "We ask that all sects be reassured... for the era of sectarianism and tyranny has gone away forever." His statement highlights efforts by rebels to manage fears of minority persecution, a significant concern given the violence and sectarian divisions that have historically shaped the Syrian conflict.

The conflict has intensified, with airstrikes and shelling by government and Russian forces killing at least seven civilians near the city of Homs. The Observatory has reported at least 826 deaths since the HTS-led offensive began, including 111 civilian casualties. Additionally, over 370,000 people have been displaced, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.

As the offensive continues, international actors are emphasizing the need for political resolution and humanitarian protection. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for "a political solution to the conflict and the protection of civilians and minorities." The global community is closely monitoring the situation as diplomatic discussions are held between Turkey, Iran, Russia, and other regional powers.

Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, acknowledged the rapid pace of the rebel advance, urging the international community to push for a *"political framework"* to halt violence and address Syria's spiraling crisis.

Images and reports suggest symbolic acts of defiance by civilians in recently captured areas. AFP reported that residents in Hama have set fire to a large poster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, reflecting the rising hopes of anti-government groups for change. Video footage has also shown residents toppling statues of Assad's father, Hafez, recalling memories of the brutal 1980s massacre in Hama under his regime.

The HTS-led offensive, combined with the Syrian government's military challenges and international diplomatic pressure, underscores a volatile and rapidly shifting conflict. Despite Assad’s military and political support from allies like Russia and Iran, the rebels' territorial gains have introduced a new dynamic to Syria’s nearly 13-year-long war.