Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, in a phone conversation with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, expressed confidence in his country’s ability to overcome terrorism with the support of allies and friends. Assad emphasized Syria’s commitment to defending its territorial integrity against both terrorist groups and their backers.
The UAE President reaffirmed his country’s support for Syria in its fight against terrorism and its efforts to protect sovereignty and stability, according to a statement released by Assad’s office on its official Telegram channel.
This affirmation of unity comes amid fierce clashes between Syrian government forces and Takfiri militants led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). These terrorist groups launched large-scale attacks in Aleppo and Idlib provinces earlier this week, seizing several areas. Syrian forces have since been engaged in a determined counteroffensive to reclaim lost territory.
In the capital, Damascus, rumors of instability continue to swirl. Reports of gunfire near key government sites have been clarified as SAA operations targeting sleeper cells, rather than evidence of a coup. However, speculation persists regarding Assad’s absence following a recent trip to Moscow, with reports suggesting some members of his family have taken refuge abroad.
Meanwhile, in Hama, the National Defense Forces have fully mobilized to address the shifting balance of power, while in southern Syria, the Free Syrian Army, bolstered by support from the US and Jordan, has launched offensive operations in the Al-Tanf region. Northern Homs has seen further unrest, with opposition-linked groups reportedly attacking Syrian army checkpoints.
The escalating violence highlights Syria’s prolonged struggle, which has persisted since the foreign-sponsored militancy began in March 2011. Damascus has repeatedly accused Western nations and their regional allies of supporting terrorist groups to destabilize the country.
For the first time since 2013, opposition factions entered the city of Hama, a symbolic and strategic milestone. Despite their presence in the city, control remains contested. Social media footage reportedly shows large regime convoys withdrawing from Hama, while the opposition claims to have made significant progress in the surrounding areas, including Aleppo and the outskirts of Hama.
Lieutenant Colonel Hassan Abdul Ghani of the Military Operations Administration hinted at further developments, promising news “that will warm the hearts” of the opposition’s supporters. The opposition’s rapid progress has been marked by their capture of Aleppo International Airport and expanded control over territories in the Aleppo countryside under the “Dawn of Freedom” battle.
In contrast, regime forces, facing setbacks, have resorted to intensified airstrikes, with Aleppo experiencing relentless bombing. One of the most severe attacks targeted the al-Furqan neighborhood in central Aleppo, resulting in casualties, though official tolls remain unconfirmed.
