Damascus, December 7, 2024 – Approximately 2,000 Syrian troops have crossed into Iraq seeking refuge, with some requiring medical attention, according to Turki Al-Mahlawi, the mayor of Iraq’s Al-Qaim border town. This development comes amid reports of a rapid rebel advance towards the Syrian capital, Damascus, though the Syrian government denies any withdrawal from strategic positions.
Rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani claimed that opposition forces are in the “final phase of encircling the capital,” as the offensive spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) continues to gain momentum. HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, known by his alias Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, called on fighters to prepare for a final push, stating, “Damascus awaits you.”
Despite these assertions, Syria’s defense ministry refuted claims of troop withdrawals, insisting its forces remain present across Damascus’ countryside. “There is no truth to news claiming our armed forces have withdrawn,” a statement from the ministry declared.
Protests erupted in several regions, including the symbolic toppling of a statue of former president Hafez al-Assad in a Damascus suburb and the burning of President Bashar al-Assad’s poster in Hama. Witnesses also reported unrest in Daraa, the birthplace of the 2011 uprising.
Rebels have capitalized on swift victories in Aleppo and Hama to advance southwards. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that government forces had lost control of all of Daraa province and parts of Sweida.
The government described its movements as “redeploying and repositioning” rather than retreats. Reports also indicate troop evacuations from Quneitra near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, where Israel has increased its troop presence, as well as from Deir Ezzor in the east, now under the watch of Kurdish-led forces.
Regional Responses and Global Concerns
Jordan, Russia, and the United States have urged their citizens to leave Syria as the conflict escalates. Observers fear further chaos as the rebels, emboldened by their recent successes, edge closer to Damascus. Meanwhile, HTS leader al-Sharaa reiterated the rebels’ primary goal: “The overthrow of this regime.”
In central Homs, considered a crucial gateway to the capital, government forces have reportedly bolstered defenses and managed to halt the rebel advance temporarily. However, with the rebels just 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Damascus, the conflict remains precariously poised.
