Part 6/8:
With Hama under rebel control, the focus is shifting towards the city of Homs. The capture of Homs would effectively sever key supply lines between Damascus and Syria's coastal cities, further isolating government forces. Should the rebels progress towards the critical port city of Tartus, they risk direct confrontation with Russian forces stationed there, complicating the already volatile military landscape.
On the other hand, advancing toward Homs may lead to fierce direct conflict against Syrian government troops. The civilian demographics in southern cities are largely anti-government, creating a precarious situation for troops that have retreated to defensive lines along the river.