Syrian Rebels Advance on Homs and Hama, Forcing Thousands to Flee
TL;DR
Rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) are advancing towards the Syrian city of Homs, causing mass displacement as thousands flee. The insurgents, now 5 km from Homs, aim to overthrow President Bashar Assad, having already captured Aleppo and Hama. The Syrian army, with Russian support, is attempting to hold back the rebels. The battle for Homs is seen as crucial for control of Syria, with HTS, previously linked to al-Qaeda, leading the offensive amid a shift in focus for Assad's allies, Russia and Iran.
- Syria: Rebels near Homs as thousands flee, monitor says DW (English)
- Thousands flee Syria’s Homs city as opposition forces close in: War monitor Al Jazeera English
- Syrian Rebels Storm Hama as Government Forces Withdraw The New York Times
- Why the rebel capture of Syria’s Hama, a city with a dark history, matters The Associated Press
- Syrian opposition forces enter the key city of Hama, in a new blow to Assad's regime NPR
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Read on DW (English)