Part 5/7:
To understand the current situation, it's crucial to look back at the roots of the conflict. The Syrian civil war began in response to the violent quelling of protests against Assad’s regime in 2011. Homs, once a rebel stronghold, fell under siege for three years, ultimately resulting in its opposition forces’ withdrawal in 2015 after a brokered deal that subsequently fell apart.
Now, the rebels are not merely aiming for victory; they express a vision of returning refugees from Turkey and elsewhere to rebuild their homeland. The leader of the insurgent group HTS, known for its roots in Al-Qaeda, articulated their intentions during an interview, emphasizing their goal to topple the Assad regime and facilitate the return of displaced Syrians.