Part 2/7:
Doyle indicates that the fall of Hama signifies a sustained momentum from the myriad rebel groups involved in the offensive to take Aleppo. Hama, being one of Syria's major cities, is significant not only for its size—reportedly the fourth largest city—but also for its strategic position about 50 kilometers north of Homs, the third largest city in Syria. This proximity makes Hama a vital gateway, especially in the context of controlling access to the Mediterranean coastline from Syria.
The implications of this shift in control are profound. Should the rebel forces mobilize effectively towards Homs, they could sever critical supply lines for the Syrian regime based in Damascus. This could potentially weaken the regime’s capacity for resupply and sustainment in a prolonged conflict.