New Delhi:
Fighting between the government and rebels has intensified in Syria. Rebel forces have captured a large part of the north-west of the country. The rebels have reached close to the capital Damascus. However, the government clearly denied that its control over the city had weakened. News agency AFP quoted rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani as claiming that our army has started the final phase of encircling the capital. Here in the report it has also been claimed that Bashar al-Assad has left the country. However, the government has termed the report as false.
What is happening in Syria?
There has been a situation of civil war in Syria for the last several years. Due to this the condition of the country is continuously worsening. This war started in 2011, during which lakhs of people were killed in the violence. And lakhs of people became homeless. This war started against the government of Bashar al-Assad, but now many different groups have become involved, including rebel groups, terrorist organizations and armies of other countries.
The situation is continuously worsening
The war has created a serious humanitarian crisis in Syria. Millions of people are struggling with shortage of food, water and medicines. Due to the war, millions of Syrian refugees are migrating towards neighboring countries and Europe. Russia has supported the Bashar al-Assad government, while the US and its allies have supported the rebels. However, in the latest statement, Donald Trump has said that America should not get involved in the Syrian conflict.
Assad has not left Damascus: Defense Ministry
The Syrian Defense Ministry said army forces were “present in all areas of the Damascus countryside”. “There is no truth in the news that our armed forces have retreated from positions near Damascus,” it said. The Syrian Defense Ministry denied reports that Assad had left Damascus, saying he was “carrying out his work and national and constitutional duties from the capital”.
What are the demands of the rebels in Syria?
The demands of rebels in Syria have varied over time and among different factions. Their biggest demand is the end of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
- End of Bashar al-Assad regime: The main objective of most rebel groups is to remove Bashar al-Assad from power and establish a new government. He has been fighting for this for a long time.
- Establishment of Democracy: The rebels want the establishment of a democratically elected government and demand equal rights for all citizens.
- Protection of Human Rights: The rebels want to stop human rights violations by the government and provide basic rights to all citizens.
- Unity and integrity of the country: Many rebel groups want to maintain the unity and integrity of the country and want to save the country from being divided.
- Religious groups: Some religious groups want to establish Islamic rule and run the country according to Islamic law.
Which rebel groups are active?
The number of rebel groups in Syria is quite large and their structure and alliances have been changing over time. These groups have been getting support from different political ideologies and also from outside countries. There are many divisions among the rebel groups in Syria. The reasons and objectives of their fight are also different. Some groups want to overthrow the Bashar al-Assad regime, while others are fighting for religious reasons.
Photo Credit: https://syria.liveuamap.com/
Some of the major rebel groups are
- Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS): The group is believed to be linked to al-Qaeda and is one of the most powerful rebel groups in Syria. It has taken control of many areas of Syria.
- Syrian National Army (SNA): This group, supported by Türkiye, is a strong group of the Syrian opposition. It is supported by various small groups.
- Ahrar al-Sham: This is an Islamic rebel group, which is active in Syria.
- Al-Nusra Front: This group was also linked to Al-Qaeda, but later its name was changed to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.
Jordan closed the border with Syria
Jordan’s Interior Minister Mazen Faraya has announced the closure of the Jaber border in view of the worsening situation in southern Syria. According to a statement issued by the ministry on Friday, under this decision, Jordanian citizens and trucks will be allowed to return to the kingdom, but there will be a ban on going to Syrian areas. According to the statement, the ministry said that Jordan is closely monitoring Syria. There are armed forces deployed on the borders.
India issued advisory for its citizens
In view of the ongoing violence in Syria, India has advised its citizens to avoid traveling there. In an advisory issued on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also asked Indian citizens living in Syria to get in touch with the Indian Embassy in Damascus. Islamic rebels on Thursday virtually captured the central Syrian city of Homs after capturing most of the country’s largest city, Aleppo. Thousands of people are fleeing Homs.
The Ministry of External Affairs said, “In view of the current situation in Syria, Indian citizens are advised to avoid traveling to Syria until further notice.” It said, “Indians living in Syria are requested to stay informed.” Please remain in touch with the Indian Embassy in Damascus through its emergency helpline number and official email ID.” The ministry said, “Those who can leave are advised to leave as soon as possible by available commercial flights and Others are requested to Be careful regarding safety and minimize movement.
