The Islamic group opposed to the regime of dictator Bashar al-Assad announced that it has gained full control of one of Syria’s most important cities. Homs is considered the strategic heart of the country.
According to Reuters news agency, residents of Homs celebrated the capture of the city by dancing and shouting “Assad is gone, Homs is free” and “Long live Syria and down with Bashar al-Assad”. According to the news agency, the Syrian army tried to contain the radicals, but was unable to do so and abandoned the confrontation.
What does the seizure of Homs mean?
Homs, which is located in the central region of the country, has an important road junction that connects the inland cities to the Mediterranean coast. The capture of the city becomes a powerful symbol of the strong presence of the rebel movement in the conflict that has lasted 13 years. In previous fights, the Syrian army had already defeated the group in clashes that took place in the city, causing the rebels to be expelled from Homs.
For the group’s main leader, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the capture of Homs is a historic moment. According to Reuters, he also asked fighters not to harm “those who lay down their weapons.”