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In the past ten days, Rebel forces, primarily affiliated with the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have made significant territorial gains. Key cities such as Aleppo and Hama have changed hands after years of control by the Assad regime. The capture of Aleppo, the second-largest city in Syria, and Hama, a vital strategic location, marks a turning point reminiscent of earlier phases of the conflict.
Reports have surfaced that the Syrian forces initially retreated from Hama to avoid deeper conflict and preserve civilian lives. Concurrently, there are indications that the situation is evolving; residents are evacuating from the city of Homs, the third-largest city, as Rebel forces advance.