Turkish-backed Factions and HTS Seize Salamiyah as Syrian Army Withdraws
HAMA, Syria (North Press) – Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly known as Jabhat al-Nusra, and Turkish-backed factions announced on Thursday their control over the city of Salamiyah in Hama’s countryside. The seizure occurred without any fighting, as Syrian government forces withdrew from the city.
This development comes shortly after the Syrian Ministry of Defense confirmed its forces’ retreat from Hama to positions near Homs, allowing HTS and allied factions to take control of Hama and its surrounding areas.
Local reports indicate that government forces, along with units of the Syrian government-backed National Defense Forces (NDF), evacuated their headquarters and security posts in Salamiyah early Thursday, effectively ceding the city to advancing opposition forces. Salamiyah is located approximately 48 kilometers from Homs, one of Syria’s largest provinces and a key strategic location.
Government Retreats to Homs
HTS and Turkish-backed factions have rapidly gained ground in central Syria, following their significant advances in Hama earlier this week. Salamiyah’s fall marks the second major city to come under their control in recent days, further complicating the already tense military and political landscape in the region.
The Syrian Ministry of Defense has not yet issued a statement regarding its retreat from Salamiyah or other recent withdrawals, including reports of an unconfirmed pullback from the town of Talbiseh in Homs’ countryside. Opposition media outlets claim Talbiseh has also fallen to HTS and allied factions following the withdrawal of government forces.
Strategic Importance of Salamiyah
The capture of Salamiyah by HTS and Turkish-backed factions represents a significant strategic shift in central Syria. Situated near key transportation and supply routes, the city serves as a gateway to Homs and potentially further south toward Damascus.
Salamiyah’s proximity to Homs places it within striking distance of government strongholds, raising concerns about further territorial losses for Syrian forces. With the fall of Hama and Salamiyah, HTS now holds two key urban centers in central Syria, bolstering its position in the ongoing conflict.
Opposition Gains Momentum
The swift territorial gains by HTS and allied factions reflect a broader trend of escalating opposition offensives. The fall of Salamiyah and the reported withdrawal from Talbiseh follow a series of military setbacks for Syrian government forces, including their recent retreat from Hama.
These developments underscore the changing dynamics of the conflict in Syria, as opposition forces capitalize on vulnerabilities in government defenses. HTS, supported by Turkish-backed factions, appears to be pursuing a strategy of rapid territorial expansion in key regions, threatening government control in central Syria.
Uncertainty and Tension in Central Syria
The government’s silence regarding its recent losses has fueled speculation about its strategy moving forward. While the Ministry of Defense cited the need to protect civilians as the rationale for its withdrawal from Hama, questions remain about its ability to mount an effective defense in Homs and other key areas.
The retreat from Salamiyah and potentially other towns in Homs’ countryside further underscores the challenges facing Syrian government forces as they confront an emboldened opposition. The situation remains fluid, with both sides likely to adjust their strategies in response to the rapidly evolving battlefield dynamics.