WATCH: Rebels bring down statue of Assad’s father in rebel-held Hama

Syrian rebels A statue of Hafez al-Assad, the late father of current President Bashar al-Assad, was brought down in the city of Hama.
The footage shows rebels tearing down a statue in the central square amid chants condemning the Assad regime. The rebels captured Hama after government forces retreated under heavy pressure. One witness, speaking to AFP, described seeing “dozens of protesters” destroying the monument, which has long stood as a symbol of the Assad family’s rule.

Gunfire erupts as rebels celebrate toppling Hama, desecrating statue of Assad’s father

The fall of Hama is an important milestone in the rebels’ offensive, which has seen them seize major cities, including Aleppo, and rapidly advance across the country. Just a few days ago, a statue of Bashar al-Assad’s late brother Bassel was also demolished in Aleppo.
Islamic terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which played a leading role in the offensive, declared victory at Hama. Its leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, assured residents that “there will be no reprisals,” as the fighters took control of the city and its central prison, freeing numerous prisoners in the process.
The rebel advance has dealt a significant blow to the Syrian army, which is struggling to hold ground. In the south, rebel forces are reported to have captured Deraa, Suwayda and Quneitra, pushing within 50 kilometers of the capital Damascus.
Government defenses now appear to be concentrated on Homs, an important crossroads linking Damascus to the Mediterranean coast. State media reported that heavy airstrikes and military forces had been deployed to defend the city, but experts suggested that the fall of Homs would seriously weaken the regime’s strategic position.
International response to the rebel surge has been mixed. Russia, Iran and Turkey – each with a vested interest in Syria – have called for an end to the fighting but are divided over their support for the various factions. Meanwhile, Western officials have expressed concern over the possible use of chemical weapons, as fears of an escalation of violence grow.

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