Syrian army begins retaking Homs, Hama, redeploys in Daraa, Sweida

The Syrian army announced significant advancements in its military operations, claiming to have regained control in Homs and Hama while redeploying and strengthening its defensive positions in Daraa and Sweida. The moves come amid escalating clashes with armed groups in multiple regions.

A statement from the General Command of the Syrian Army and Armed Forces, reported by Russian outlet RT, declared, “Our forces operating in Daraa and Sweida carried out a redeployment and repositioning and established a strong and cohesive defense and security cordon in that direction after terrorist elements attacked the army’s checkpoints and posts in order to distract our armed forces, which began to regain control in Homs and Hama governorates against the terrorist organizations.”

The statement added, “The General Command emphasizes that our armed forces are dealing with the course of events based on their concern for the security of the homeland and citizens and will confront this terrorism with all firmness and strength.”

Clashes have intensified in the northern countryside of Homs, with Syrian forces conducting heavy artillery strikes on positions held by armed groups. Reports from Syrian media also highlighted renewed violence in the eastern countryside of Daraa, southern Syria, and near the Nasib border crossing with Jordan. Although militants attacked areas near the crossing, they have yet to take control of the compound.

Attacks have also been reported on Syrian military outposts in towns across Daraa province, including Nawa and Inkhil, areas where the Syrian army had withdrawn under the terms of a 2018 settlement.

In response to the growing instability, Jordanian Interior Minister Mazen al-Faraya announced the closure of the Jaber border crossing opposite Syria’s Naseeb crossing, citing deteriorating security conditions in southern Syria.

The developments underscore the continued volatility in Syria, as the army ramps up efforts to reclaim territory and counter what it describes as terrorist threats. “We are determined to restore stability across all regions and will not yield to attempts to undermine the security of our nation,” the Syrian command reaffirmed in its statement.