Part 2/8:

The last report on the conflict indicated that the rebels were approaching the outskirts of Hama, a city situated on the crucial M5 Highway south of Aleppo. Predictions at that time suggested a potential stalemate with divided control among Assad's government, the rebels, and Kurdish forces in the Northeast. Contrary to those expectations, the rebels took control of Hama largely without opposition. Reports indicate a mass retreat by Assad's forces, with many soldiers defecting to join the rebels as they took Hama.