Syrian government struggles as rebels encircle key city of Homs suburbs

Syrian rebels have reportedly made significant advances in the suburbs of Homs, a key city in the country’s ongoing civil war, marking a critical development in their campaign against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, reported Reuters.

The week-long offensive has placed government forces under intense pressure as the insurgents claim to be closing in on Damascus. Rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani, part of the Islamist-led alliance spearheading the assault, stated, “Our forces have begun the final phase of encircling the capital, Damascus.”

Syrian government officials, however, denied reports of troop withdrawals from areas surrounding the capital, as the battle for control intensifies.

This escalation comes as Assad’s 24-year rule faces mounting challenges, with the opposition gaining momentum in strategic locations across the country.