Syrian rebels battled pro-government forces on Wednesday on the outskirts of Hamaadbackhome or ad casino, a major city in western Syria that has become the latest target of the surprise offensive launched by opposition fighters last week, according to both sides.
The rebels have rapidly expanded the territory under their control in northwestern Syria, intensifying pressure on the country’s embattled president, Bashar al-Assad. Led by the extremist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the rebels now control all of Idlib Province and most of Aleppo Province. That includes much of the city of Aleppo, an economic engine of the country.
Now the rebels have set their sights on Hama, which has been a focal point of past revolts brutally suppressed by the country’s rulers. Capturing Hama would jeopardize the supply route used by Iran, a staunch Assad ally, to move arms bound for another ally, the militant group Hezbollah, in Lebanon.
Forces loyal to Mr. al-Assad have mobilized to beat back the rebel advance. But allies that the government has long turned to for support are now distracted and weakened — Russia by its war in Ukraine, and Iran and Hezbollah by the regionwide conflict with Israel.
Taking advantage of the moment, anti-Assad forces based in northwestern Syria have been expanding their offensive and fueling clashes elsewhere in the country, including in the strategic northeast, adding to the president’s troubles.
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