Media: Syrian government forces secure Hama outskirts, push back militants

Syrian government forces reported regaining control of the western city of Hama and its surrounding areas. 

According to Saudi media, the military achieved this milestone after successfully pushing out militant forces from the region, securing the outskirts of Hama without the presence of any opposition fighters, per Caliber.Az.

This marks a significant development in Syria's ongoing conflict, which has seen fluctuating control of strategic territories over the past decade.

The Syrian army’s pushback against militant groups was confirmed by Bahraini media, which reported that opposition forces had withdrawn at least 20 kilometres from the city's neighbourhoods. This retreat followed heavy clashes in the region, including a major offensive launched by Islamist groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in late November. HTS forces had made gains, including capturing parts of Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city, along with several villages in the surrounding areas.

Since the start of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, the region of Hama has witnessed significant military engagement. Initially, rebel forces made substantial progress, but the tide turned after the involvement of Russian and Iranian forces in 2015, which provided critical military support to the government of President Bashar al-Assad. This intervention helped shift the balance of power, allowing the Syrian army to regain control of about 75% of the country’s territory through airstrikes, military operations, and strategic ground advances.

The Syrian Armed Forces' regaining of Hama comes after weeks of intense fighting in several regions, including Aleppo and Idlib. On December 2, Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) collaborated with Syrian military units in airstrikes that reportedly killed over 100 militants in Idlib, Hama, and Aleppo provinces. This operation was part of a larger campaign aimed at neutralizing terrorist groups threatening government-held areas.

International concerns over the escalation of violence persist, with Iranian officials accusing Israel and the United States of attempting to destabilize Syria. Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian, in a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggested that the activation of terrorist groups in Syria was part of a broader destabilization plan. However, the White House denied any involvement, and Western nations — including the United States, the UK, France, and Germany — have called for a de-escalation of hostilities, urging all parties to reduce tensions.

Meanwhile, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces continue to focus on repelling extremist groups in regions such as Idlib, where fighting persists. On November 29, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) launched a counter-offensive against militants from Jebhat al-Nusra, a prominent Islamist faction, who had captured over 20 settlements to the north and west of Aleppo. The counterattack led to the liberation of the town of al-Bakum and other key areas, signalling a continued effort by the Syrian government to regain full control of its territory.

Despite the gains made by Syrian forces in recent months, the conflict in Syria remains far from over. Tensions continue in multiple regions, and international actors continue to weigh in on the evolving situation. As military operations progress, the need for a political resolution and de-escalation remains critical for achieving long-term stability in the region.

By Tamilla Hasanova