Syrian Opposition Forces Make Gains in Homs, Threatening Regime's Control

Rebels, led by the Islamist faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have made significant advances toward the city of Homs in central Syria, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The insurgents are now within 5 km of the city's outskirts, after capturing key towns like Rastan and Talbisseh, which are located along the vital M5 highway that links Homs to Damascus and the north. The assault on Homs follows earlier gains made by HTS, including the capture of Aleppo and Hama, both major losses for the regime of President Bashar Assad.

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