Syrian Rebels Advance on Homs as Russia Urges Citizens to Exit

The Russian Embassy in Syria has issued an urgent advisory for its citizens to leave the country, citing the escalating “difficult military-political situation.” The embassy’s statement, released via Telegram, recommended departing on commercial flights through available airports.

This development underscores the growing instability in Syria, where rebel forces, including the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied factions, are making significant advances. Having already seized towns and villages across Aleppo, Idlib, and Hama provinces, they are now closing in on Homs, a critical stronghold.

The offensive, which began last week, has displaced at least 370,000 people according to the UN, with fears that the number could soar to 1.5 million. Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, emphasized the dire situation:

“Since the escalation of hostilities, at least 370,000 men, women, and children have been displaced, including 100,000 who left their homes more than once.”

Samer AbdelJaber of the UN’s World Food Programme highlighted the rapid displacement figures:

“The number of displaced rose from 48,000 to nearly 280,000 in just the initial hours after the escalation on 27 November.”

Russia, a key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has been deeply involved in the conflict, supporting the regime through military interventions. Last week, Russian airstrikes targeted the rebel-held city of Idlib in an attempt to slow their advances. Amid growing pressure, Ukrainian intelligence suggested that Russia might deploy mercenaries from private military companies to bolster Assad’s forces.

The humanitarian toll of the offensive is mounting, with the UN warning that millions could be at risk if the fighting continues.