The Syrian government has acknowledged that its military has withdrawn from the strategic Hama city after a fierce battle with the rebels.
This is a decisive victory for the Syrian rebels whose blitzkrieg in two weeks has seen them take over two of the biggest cities Aleppo and now Hama.
Why it matters: Hama is a critical hub in Syria, linking the north, south, and coastal regions via major highways.
Its capture disrupts regime supply lines and threatens key government-held areas including a military pathway to capture Homs and the capital Damascus.
Hama has a historical relevance for the Syrian opposition as it was among the first cities to start protests against Bashar al Assad in 2011 and also against his father Hafez al Assad in 1981.
Then Hama was captured by Syrian government forces in February 1982, following a brutal crackdown on a Muslim Brotherhood uprising.
The city was largely destroyed, and thousands of people were killed during the military siege.
What it means: For Assad, it is a devastating blow after losing Aleppo, despite calling on Iran and Russia for help. He has been unable to mobilise his troops to mount a resistance against the rebels’ blitzkrieg.
After Hama’s loss, Assad’s crucial supply routes are now under the rebels’ control. It also has open access to Syria’s agricultural heartland and other key cities like Homs.
For the Syrian opposition and Hayat Tahir-as-Sham (HTS) leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, this opens up possibilities to gain leverage with international players and a seat at the table if negotiations on Syria’s future happen any time soon.
