The current status of Damascus under the insurgent offensive

Introduction

The current status of Damascus under the insurgent offensive is critical, with rebel forces rapidly approaching the Syrian capital:

Rebel Advances

Opposition forces have reached the suburbs of Damascus, including Maadamiyah, Jaramana, and Daraya.

Insurgents are reportedly about 12 miles (20 km) from Damascus.

Rebels claim to have captured Sanamayn, a town just 20km from the southern entrance of Damascus.

Encirclement Strategy

Rebel commander Hassan Abdul-Ghani stated that opposition forces have started the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus.

Insurgents are advancing towards Damascus from multiple directions:

From eastern Syria towards the suburb of Harasta.

From southern Syria towards the capital.

Government Response

The Syrian army announced it is establishing a “strong and coherent defensive and security belt” to defend Damascus from the south.

Syrian state media denies that the army has fled positions near the capital, insisting government forces are present in all areas of the Damascus countryside.

Implications

The rapid rebel advance represents a significant threat to Assad’s authority, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the conflict.

If Homs falls to the rebels, Damascus would be effectively isolated.

Conclusion

While Damascus remains under government control, the situation is rapidly evolving. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the insurgent offensive can breach the capital’s defenses or if the regime can stabilize its position and counter the rebel advances.

It is also known that rebels may try to take over Golan heights but in Defence Israel has deployed it forced in that region. It is an occupied territory from before and Israel should let go to earn browny points in Middle-east.

Jordan and Egypt has suggested Bashar Al-Assad to go into exile and run government. Russia, Iran and other allies are not providing full support. Trump has stated ‘Syria war’ is not a US war and would not be involved

The only fear is rise of HTS allies of Turkey, may be ISIS and Al Qaeda will get involved in local fight for power over Damascus.

The internal war between all these entity’s can cause a lot of casualties.

Relationship between Turkey, Israel and US would also deteriorate, with significant risk to Kurds in Syria.