Now at the latest – but preferably a week ago – Russia and Iran should have activated themselves in the Assad regime's resistance against the jihadists' advance, which has Homs in its sights. This is what analyst Aron Lund says about the acute situation in Syria. Somewhere, it may eventually become a question of whether it's worth trying at all.
ConflictsSyrian regime forces and their allies have "suddenly" withdrawn from eastern Dayr al-Zor (Deir Ezzor) and its surroundings on Friday.
World politicsThe dictator Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria is being pressed increasingly hard as it rapidly loses ground to rebel forces. After the loss of Aleppo and Hama, the country's third largest city, Homs, appears to be next in line.
WorldSyrian regime forces are reported to have retreated from parts of the metropolis Homs as fighting jihadists are advancing. Israel is strengthening border surveillance against Syria and battles are reported from the border against Jordan.
WorldJihadist-led rebel forces continue to advance southward in Syria. They have taken control of another city, Hama, which is confirmed by the Syrian regime's army.
ConflictsSyrian rebels are reported to be surrounding the important city of Hama from three directions – despite the fact that regime forces have launched a counter-offensive against the jihadist group HTS, which has controlled Aleppo since last week. More than 700 people have been killed during the latest escalation.
ConflictsThe death toll continues to rise since the jihadist offensive began in Syria last week. So far, more than 600 people have been killed, including over 100 civilians, according to the Syrian Human Rights Observatory.
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