Part 3/8:
The Trigger of the Recent Offensive
The rebel offensive's timing is noteworthy, as it coincided with a ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel, likely providing a strategic window for the rebels to attack. The offensive was meticulously planned, signaling that years of intelligence and coordination among the various rebel factions had culminated in this decisive moment.
Despite Assad's army maintaining an estimated strength of 130,000 soldiers “on paper,” the reality was quite different. Widespread defections had weakened the army, as many soldiers did not show loyalty to the Assad regime. The situation was exacerbated by a series of missed opportunities, poor morale, and a lack of modern military strategies and equipment.