Syrian rebels advance toward Damascus after taking Daraa

December 7, 2024 — Syrian rebels have pushed to within 20 kilometers of Damascus after seizing control of Daraa province, rebel commanders and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) confirmed.

Daraa, the epicenter of Syria’s 2011 uprising against President Bashar al-Assad, is now under full rebel control, according to SOHR director Rami Abdel Rahman. Rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani described the move as part of a broader strategy, saying, “We have entered the final phase of the siege on Damascus.”

Government dismisses rebel claims amid losses

The Syrian Ministry of Defense denied any retreat from Damascus’s outskirts, calling reports of rebel gains “baseless.” However, opposition forces continue to make significant advances, capturing major cities including Aleppo, Hama, and Deir Ezzor, and reclaiming long-contested regions in the south.

Government forces are regrouping in Homs, where airstrikes by Syrian and Russian jets killed seven civilians, according to SOHR.

Regional and global concern mounts

The swift rebel progress has raised alarms across the region. Qatar expressed concerns over Syria’s territorial integrity, while international talks on Syria’s future have commenced in Doha. Iranian, Russian, and Turkish foreign ministers are discussing strategies to address the conflict.

The civil war, which began in 2011, has devastated Syria, displaced millions, and allowed extremist groups to gain ground. Analysts say the government’s reliance on allies like Russia and Iran is faltering.

Iran has withdrawn families of diplomats from Syria, while Russia urged its citizens to leave. Meanwhile, thousands of Iranian-backed Iraqi paramilitaries are reportedly mobilizing near the Syrian border.