Daraa factions demand withdrawal of Syrian forces, setting the stage for a potential new front in Syria’s conflict. (Photo by Ahmad al-Msalam / AFP) (Photo credit should read AHMAD AL-MSALAM/AFP via Getty Images)
Damascus (EPICSTORIAN) – Local factions in Daraa have issued a stark ultimatum, giving Syrian forces 48 hours to vacate the region, such a demand that highlights rising tensions in southern Syria.
Escalating Conflict Across Syria
The situation in Daraa is unfolding against a backdrop of broader escalation nationwide. Opposition groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Turkish-backed factions, have made significant advances in recent days under the banner of their campaign, “Deterring Aggression.”
These forces have captured key territories in Aleppo, Hama, and Idlib provinces, challenging the Syrian regime’s control and raising serious concerns about its long-term hold on power, North Press Agency reported
Rebels Resists Syrian Forces in Daraa
Daraa, a notorious hotbed of dissent, remains defiant despite reconciliation agreements brokered in 2018, which aimed to bring the region under government control but failed just a few years after.
Today, rebels have resisted the regime’s authority, issuing an ultimatum. “We’ve given them 48 hours to withdraw,” a local faction leader declared, emphasizing their readiness to confront Syrian forces if necessary.
The region’s restive population has long opposed President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, and the resurgence of local resistance could spark a new front in Syria’s prolonged conflict.
Analysts suggest that this defiance reflects growing frustration and a belief that the government’s grip on power is weakening.
Potential for Wider Confrontation
As northern opposition factions gain momentum, the situation in Daraa adds another layer of complexity to Syria’s already volatile landscape. Observers warn that if the government refuses to withdraw, direct confrontations may erupt, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and further destabilizing the region.”The stakes are high,” noted one analyst.
“A conflict in Daraa could ignite broader hostilities, spreading chaos across southern Syria.”
Regional and Humanitarian Impacts
The developments in Daraa are being closely monitored for their potential to escalate into a wider conflict. Increased violence would strain humanitarian resources, already stretched thin by years of war.
International observers fear that renewed fighting in the south could mirror the devastation seen in other regions, leading to further civilian displacement and suffering.
The Road Ahead
Whether the government will heed the ultimatum remains uncertain. Should it refuse, Daraa could become a flashpoint, with consequences extending far beyond the region and the current situation.
As opposition forces solidify their gains in the north, the Syrian regime faces mounting pressure on multiple fronts.
