Syrian opposition forces make gains in south, advance toward Damascus

On Nov. 27, the situation in Syria intensified as opposition groups made significant territorial gains in the south, advancing both northward and towards the capital, Damascus.

Syrian opposition forces were about 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from Damascus Saturday after snatching the southern province of Daraa from government control, a war monitor and rebels said.

Rami Abdel Rahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that local opposition fighters now controlled all of Daraa province. Rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani, with the opposition-led alliance that launched the offensive in the country’s northwest, said, “We are now less than 20 km from the southern gate of the capital, Damascus.”.

Opposition forces gain ground in southern Syria

Opposition factions operating in southern Syria, particularly near the borders of Jordan and Iraq, have expanded their control.

The Free Syrian Army (FSA), a key group in this offensive, has been pushing back regime forces in the region, advancing from the Tanf area in southeastern Syria.

This area, strategically located at the intersection of Iraq, Syria, and Jordan, has long been a hotspot for opposition activity.

The offensive gained momentum after Nov. 27 when government forces began losing ground across key regions, including Aleppo, Hama, and Homs.

In the past few days, the SFA successfully captured the strategic town of Palmyra and shifted its focus toward Damascus.

Strategic gains by opposition forces near Homs

As part of the broader offensive, opposition forces have made significant advances around Homs, a key region that serves as a gateway to Damascus. On Dec. 5, opposition groups entered several outer districts of Homs, including the Waer district.

The fighting has been fierce, with clashes intensifying over the past 48 hours. This new offensive threatens to disrupt the Syrian regime’s control over critical territory that connects Damascus to the rest of the country.

Homs’ strategic importance cannot be overstated, as it lies on the route from the southern border to the capital.

With government forces losing ground here, the opposition forces have moved further into the western and northern regions, advancing toward Damascus.

Opposition forces continue their push on multiple fronts

As of December 7, clashes in Daraa, Suwayda and Quneitra have led to several opposition victories, with local forces regaining control over key towns previously held by the regime.

Daraa’s recent recapture by the opposition has sparked further concern for regime officials, as it serves as another crucial entry point to Damascus.

The Free Syrian Army has also continued operations against PKK/YPG terrorists in the north.

Their success in liberating Tel Rifaat from PKK/YPG terrorists on Dec. 1 further highlights the shifting balance of power across Syria.

International reactions, ongoing diplomacy

In response to the escalating violence, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called for renewed political dialogue between the Syrian government and opposition groups.

Following talks with Russian and Turkish officials, Araghchi emphasized the need for a political resolution to the conflict, despite the ongoing military gains by the opposition.