Syrian military and rebels battle north of Hama

4/12/2024 17:15

        Intense airstrikes overnight drove Syrian rebels back from the edge of Hama, a major city whose fall would pile pressure on President Bashar al-Assad, both sides said on Wednesday.
        
        Rebels have staged a whirlwind advance over the past week, seizing Syria's second city Aleppo and much of the surrounding countryside, reaching to within a few kilometres of Hama on Tuesday.
        
        The speed of their assault has concerned Assad's allies, with Iran saying on Tuesday it would consider sending forces if asked, and Russia saying the "terrorist aggression" on Syria should be ended as soon as possible.
        
        Iran-backed Iraqi fighters have moved into Syria in support of Assad, whose government has started a new conscription push with checkpoints in Damascus and eastern Deir al-Zor signing up young men to join the army, residents said.
        
        State media and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said there had been intense fighting over Jabal Zain al-Abidin, a hill 5km (3 miles) northeast of Hama and overlooking a major road into the city.