The head of the Assad regime, Bashar al-Assad, returned to Syria after days of silence and speculation about his whereabouts, following the rapid territorial advances of revolutionary forces under the Repelling the Aggression campaign. Assad’s return, reportedly aboard a Russian plane from Moscow, comes as his regime faces severe setbacks, including the loss of the city of Aleppo, Idlib province, and significant parts of Hama’s countryside.
In his first public comments days after the campaign began, Assad reached out to regional allies, pleading for support in confronting what he referred to as “terrorist attacks.” His statements and actions exposed his regime’s habitual dependence on foreign assistance to maintain its grip on power.
Assad, who had fled to Moscow last week, spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani and UAE President Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan over the weekend. During the calls, Assad emphasized his reliance on allies to repel opposition advances, declaring that Syria could “defeat the terrorists and their supporters” only “with the help of its allies and friends.”
The Iraqi Prime Minister expressed his readiness to provide support to Syria, linking Syria’s security to Iraq’s national stability. While Iraq officially closed its borders with Syria, Iranian-backed Iraqi militias, including the Sayyid al-Shuhada Brigades, have signaled their willingness to intervene militarily to prop up Assad’s regime. Iraqi security expert Saad al-Hadithi warned that any such intervention would likely be driven by Tehran, rather than Baghdad, and could destabilize Iraq in the process.
Kazem al-Fartousi, a spokesperson for the brigades, stated that their fighters were prepared to enter Syria, claiming the current conflict is part of an “American-Israeli plan” targeting the resistance axis that unites Iran, Syria, Iraq, and Hezbollah in Lebanon. However, Iraqi security experts have pointed out that such movements are contingent on decisions from Tehran, raising concerns about deeper Iranian involvement in Syria’s conflict.
The Assad regime’s armed forces have struggled to respond effectively to the revolutionary forces’ rapid advances. Revolutionary fighters captured Aleppo’s industrial city of Sheikh Najjar, the Military Academy, Aleppo Central Prison, and other strategic sites in recent days. In Hama, opposition forces advanced into the Al-Arbaeen neighborhood before regime reinforcements prompted their withdrawal.
The General Command of Assad’s forces issued a statement acknowledging its inability to stop the opposition’s progress, justifying their retreat as a “deployment operation” to strengthen defensive lines. Amid these setbacks, the regime began recalling recruits on leave, particularly from Daraa, under threats of punishment for non-compliance. Reports indicate that Daraa residents have celebrated the revolutionary victories, with night demonstrations and mosque gatherings supporting the Repelling the Aggression campaign.
Assad’s reliance on Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah has long been central to his ability to maintain power. Revolutionary forces have consistently highlighted this dependency as a stark contrast to their own grassroots campaign, which is driven by Syrians united in their vision and fighting for their right to return to their homes and live with dignity.
Russian airstrikes have targeted liberated areas, while in the past it was Iranian-backed militias, including Hezbollah, that bolstered the regime’s faltering ground forces. Now, with Iraq signaling potential involvement, there is growing concern that Assad’s calls for assistance could further entangle yet more regional powers in Syria’s conflict.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to visit Damascus and Ankara to coordinate responses to the evolving situation, signaling Tehran’s continued role in supporting Assad. Russia, too, has reportedly pledged continued backing, though there has been no official acknowledgment of Assad’s Moscow visit.
While Assad’s regime increasingly leans on external powers, the revolutionary forces leading the Repelling the Aggression campaign are composed primarily of Syrians fighting for freedom, safety, and dignity. Their rapid territorial gains reflect a coordinated effort to reclaim land and provide security for civilians displaced by years of war.
Revolutionary leaders have reiterated their commitment to civilian safety, contrasting sharply with Assad’s reliance on indiscriminate bombing campaigns that have devastated Syrian cities and displaced millions. The regime’s scorched-earth tactics, supported by Russian air-power, continue to draw condemnation for their impact on civilians and infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Arab League issued a statement expressing concern over Syria’s “deteriorating situation” and urging respect for the country’s “sovereignty and territorial integrity.” The league’s comments reflect the broader regional unease about the conflict’s growing complexity and its implications for Middle Eastern stability.
Assad’s return to Damascus and his pleas for foreign assistance highlight the regime’s growing isolation and reliance on external actors. With revolutionary forces advancing steadily and regime troops struggling to hold their positions, the Repelling the Aggression campaign has shifted the balance of power in northern Syria.
For Syrians living under the shadow of war, the campaign offers hope for a future free from regime oppression. However, the specter of increased foreign intervention threatens to prolong the conflict and deepen its humanitarian toll.
