As rebel forces advance towards the capital of Syria, Damascus, a palpable sense of uncertainty looms over the city. The normally bustling streets of the capital, once alive with the vibrance of its residents, are unusually quiet, as reports emerge of approaching fighters from Homs, the country’s third-largest city. Zaina Shahla, a 42-year-old journalist residing in the heart of Damascus, recounted her experience to the BBC, saying that after a seemingly routine morning, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. Residents rushed to stock up on supplies, demonstrating a growing apprehension about the impending threat.
Fear has become the predominant emotion among the city’s inhabitants, as many retreat to their homes amid this unpredictable situation. Ms. Shahla expressed her concerns when she stated, “We are afraid because we really don’t know what’s going to happen.” The uncertainty surrounding the rebel movements creates a sense of anxiety, as the residents are left pondering the potential consequences of a violent conflict. Not only is fear palpable, but so is the confusion permeating throughout the city. People in Damascus are grappling with the ambiguous nature of the news, which reflects a larger sentiment in the area—no one has a clear picture of the evolving situation.
Rim Turkmani, a leading researcher from the Syria Conflict Research Programme at the London School of Economics, echoed this sentiment. Reports from her sister in the capital mirrored Ms. Shahla’s observations of diminishing supplies and increasingly shuttered shops. Additionally, ATMs are reportedly running out of cash, compounding the sense of urgency and distress among residents. She stated, “No one knows what’s happening,” highlighting a communal feeling of helplessness as Damascus enters a precarious phase of the ongoing civil war.
Historically, Damascus has experienced less violence compared to other war-torn areas in Syria, instilling a sense of relative stability among its population. However, the shifting dynamics instigated by the advancing rebels signal that any forthcoming changes may be turbulent. Rebel groups, including the well-known opposition faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have made considerable gains in recent weeks, further alarming both residents and government officials. Observers have noted that areas surrounding the capital are beginning to fall to these groups, with reports indicating that the rebels claim to have “encircled” the city.
A U.S. official remarked to CBS News that the capital appears to be succumbing district by district to the rebels, while video footage showcased a statue of Hafez al-Assad, the former president and father of Bashar al-Assad, being dismantled in the Jaramana suburb. The chaotic situation has prompted responses from various factions. The Syrian state news agency accused “sleeper cells” of spreading misinformation on social media to instigate panic among the populace. Meanwhile, the Syrian government vehemently denied rumors concerning President Bashar al-Assad’s departure from the city, asserting that a robust military presence remains around the capital.
Despite these assurances, Damascus has witnessed a series of defeats in nearby towns, as rebel forces—especially the Islamist HTS—gained traction after launching an unexpected offensive that took the cities of Aleppo and Hama. As of the latest reports, HTS announced its control over Homs and claimed to have released thousands of prisoners from military custody. Rebel forces have even indicated that negotiations for some government officers’ defections are underway, further heightening the urgency of the situation.
The International community is also reacting, with the United Nations withdrawing its “non-critical” personnel from Syria and calling for immediate political discussions to facilitate a stable transition from the ongoing conflict. The envoy for the UN has emphasized the necessity for diplomatic resolution, hinting at a geopolitical dialogue involving various nations such as Iran, Russia, Turkey, and the United States. As residents in Damascus tread cautiously, weighing their options, there is a palpable sense of foreboding regarding the future of their city. Amid these tensions, Ms. Shahla’s family—who have endured the chaos of Syria’s civil war—now faces the possibility of fleeing their lifelong home if conditions worsen dramatically.
In essence, the unfolding events in Damascus epitomize a broader conflict with grave uncertainties. With both the local population and international observers closely monitoring the developments, the future of the city remains precariously balanced on the edge of conflict.
