HTS advances near Damascus amid government withdrawals
HOMS, Syria (North Press) – The Operations Room of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) announced on Saturday that it has taken control of several positions previously held by the Syrian government forces west of Damascus, following a series of strategic withdrawals by the latter.
According to the announcement, the government forces began retreating from key checkpoints in Artoz and Mudayfa in the western Damascus countryside. HTS claimed that its forces are advancing rapidly, declaring that soon they will reach the gates of Damascus.
The statement highlighted the collapse of government forces in the towns of Kanaker, Zakyah, and Khan Sheikh in the western Damascus countryside, near the southern region of Daraa.
HTS further stated that its forces had entered the city of Sanamayn, north of Daraa, placing them less than 20 kilometers from the southern gate of Damascus.
Opposition media reported that HTS also expelled the government forces from the city of al-Qaryatayn, east of Homs, and continues to push forward in the area.
North Press correspondent in Daraa noted significant withdrawals of the government forces from their positions in Quneitra.
Russian forces have also withdrawn from the strategic summit in the village of Mashara in central Quneitra, signaling a broader retreat in southern and central Syria.