HTS Closes Homs-Hama Road in central Syria Following Ambush on Fighters
HOMS, Syria (North Press) – On Tuesday afternoon, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) shut down the main road linking Homs and Hama, following an attack on one of its military vehicles by unidentified gunmen. The attack injured two HTS fighters, triggering a large-scale security operation and significant traffic congestion.
The closure marks another instance of instability in the region after HTS, along with allied factions, seized control of state institutions and governance across Syria earlier this month, following the sudden collapse of the Assad regime.
Attack Sparks Road Closure
According to a North Press correspondent, HTS’s General Security Directorate blocked the al-Rastan Bridge—a critical route connecting Homs and Hama—immediately after the attack.
The attackers, who remain unidentified, ambushed the HTS military vehicle with gunfire while riding motorcycles. A source within HTS’s security forces in al-Rastan stated, “The assault injured two of our personnel. We have launched an operation to track down the perpetrators.”
In response to the attack, HTS ramped up its security measures in the area, deploying forces to conduct searches and detain suspects.
Traffic Chaos and Civilian Impact
The road closure has caused significant disruptions for travelers and residents. Hundreds of civilian vehicles were stranded on al-Rastan Bridge as authorities diverted traffic to alternate routes through Hama and Salamiyah.
A driver heading to Homs described the situation to North Press: “I’ve been stuck here for hours. The detour through Salamiyah adds several hours to my trip, and there’s no clear timeline for reopening the road.”
Local residents also expressed frustration, citing the lack of communication from authorities and growing concerns about the area’s safety.
Wider Context of HTS Control
The incident comes amid HTS’s expanding influence across Syria. On December 8, HTS and its allied factions declared control over key government functions, following their dramatic advance into Damascus and the toppling of the Assad regime.
This power shift has created a volatile environment, with reports of armed attacks and resistance in areas previously under regime control. Security challenges, such as the al-Rastan ambush, highlight the difficulties HTS faces in consolidating its authority.
While HTS claims to prioritize stability, its governance has been marred by reports of human rights violations, arbitrary arrests, and suppression of dissent. The closure of critical routes like the Homs-Hama road has further exacerbated tensions with the local population.
Regional Implications
The closure of the Homs-Hama road has broader implications for Syria’s already fragile economy and infrastructure. As a key artery for trade and transportation, the route plays a vital role in connecting central Syria to the north. Its shutdown disrupts not only passenger traffic but also the movement of goods, further straining the economic situation in the war-torn country.
Merchants and transporters expressed concerns over increased costs due to longer detours and delays. A truck driver transporting food supplies from Hama to Homs said, “Every extra kilometer means more fuel, time, and expenses. These disruptions hurt everyone—drivers, businesses, and ordinary citizens relying on supplies.”
The detour through Salamiyah, while operational, is considered less secure and less efficient, with drivers reporting frequent checkpoints and poor road conditions.
Uncertainty and Fear Among Locals
The ambush and the subsequent security measures have left residents of al-Rastan uneasy. Local sources report an increased HTS presence in the town, with searches being conducted door-to-door in some neighborhoods. While HTS claims the operations are aimed at ensuring security, residents worry about potential crackdowns and the risk of being caught in the crossfire.
A shopkeeper in al-Rastan expressed his fears to North Press: “We are scared. The attackers might retaliate, or worse, innocent people could be accused and arrested without evidence. Everyone here is on edge.”
Unclear Timeline for Reopening
HTS officials have not provided a clear timeline for reopening the road, leaving travelers and local businesses in limbo. An HTS security source stated that the route would remain closed “until the attackers are apprehended and the area is fully secured.” This lack of certainty adds to the frustration of those relying on the road for daily activities or urgent needs.
Local activists have called for increased transparency from HTS, urging the group to expedite its investigations and minimize the impact on civilians. “The people should not bear the burden of this conflict,” one activist said.
The closure of the Homs-Hama road following the ambush on HTS forces highlights the fragility of the situation in central Syria. As civilians bear the brunt of the disruptions, questions remain about HTS’s ability to govern and secure its territories without alienating the local population.
For now, the residents of Homs, Hama, and al-Rastan wait anxiously for the reopening of their critical transport link, even as the underlying tensions that led to its closure remain unresolved.