Damascus, Dec. 5 (SANA) On the first anniversary of the Syrian revolution’s victory, which culminated in the “Deterrence of Aggression” campaign that began on November 27 and concluded on December 8, 2024, with the fall of the Assad regime, the Battle for Hama stood out as the most decisive military moment of the conflict.
The operation, part of the broader “Deterrence of Aggression” campaign, marked a critical turning point in the final phase of the war. It effectively dismantled key elements of the former regime’s military structure, isolating its forces in scattered areas of limited strategic value. This shift signaled the end of a prolonged period of suffering for millions of Syrians and the start of a new chapter in the country’s history.
For many observers, the liberation of Hama represented more than a tactical victory. It was a symbolic milestone that highlighted the revolution’s steady progression toward achieving its political and humanitarian objectives.
The battle also extended earlier advances in Aleppo, playing a pivotal role in the broader military campaign. The operation aimed to halt attacks on civilians and expand control toward central Syria. Hama’s geographic position made it a critical hub, linking the north with the country’s center and influencing the trajectory of the conflict toward Damascus.
During the fighting, the rebels advanced across the northern, western, and eastern countryside of Hama, capturing several towns and key military sites. A temporary withdrawal—initially unexplained—was later revealed to be part of a tactical repositioning plan. This maneuver enabled a surprise advance from the eastern axis and facilitated entry into Hama city for the first time.
After securing the surrounding countryside, forces moved into the city itself, capturing important neighborhoods and facilities until full control was established, while regime forces withdrew toward Homs. The delayed fall of Hama was largely due to strong fortifications around Mount Zain al-Abideen and a network of defensive positions. However, cutting supply routes and advancing from multiple directions eventually led to the collapse of these defenses.
Hama’s strategic importance stems from its central location, its major military airport, large weapons depots, and its symbolic weight in Syrian collective memory. The battle reshaped control dynamics in central Syria and opened the door to broader military and political shifts.
The city also holds deep historical significance due to the 1982 massacre, in which tens of thousands of civilians were killed by Assad regime. The Battle for Hama marked the beginning of the collapse of the former regime’s defenses in central Syria, resulting in substantial territorial losses, severe military exhaustion, and a decisive shift in the course of the conflict.
