Rebel forces have seized the strategically important Syrian city of Hama, marking a major turning point in Syria’s protracted civil war. The speed of the rebel advance, including the earlier capture of Aleppo, has taken many by surprise.

U.S. Major General Patrick Ryder acknowledged the destabilization caused by recent events in Syria, but stressed U.S. non-involvement in the fighting. He urged all parties to de-escalate the conflict to protect regional minorities, stating that while the U.S. is aware of the potential for further violence, it remains uninvolved in the conflict. Approximately 900 U.S. soldiers are currently in Syria as part of a mission targeting the Islamic State.

The assault on Assad’s forces, orchestrated by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) under Abu Mohammed al-Golani, had reportedly been in the planning stages for four years. HTS, Syria’s most powerful rebel group, is a former al-Qaeda affiliate that declared its independence in 2016. The group controls much of northwestern Syria and led the recent offensives against Assad’s forces. It is designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. and other nations.

HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani warned Iran-backed Iraqi militias against intervention, urging Iraq’s prime minister to prevent Iraq from becoming embroiled in the conflict.

Concerns are rising that ISIS may exploit the situation. The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced measures to counter ISIS’s resurgence, noting the group’s recent gains in Homs and Deir Ezzor provinces.

ISIS previously controlled large territories in Syria and Iraq in 2014.

Israeli officials are closely monitoring the situation. The capture of key Syrian government sites, including air bases and weapons stockpiles, has prompted emergency security meetings. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi emphasized Israel’s readiness to respond to any threats near its borders. The IDF stated it would neutralize any danger to Israeli civilians.

Israeli news reports indicate security concerns over rebel seizure of sites potentially linked to Syria’s chemical weapons program. While much of Syria’s chemical arsenal was destroyed in 2013, experts warn of potential threats from undeclared reserves falling into extremist hands.

Analysts attribute the Assad regime’s vulnerability to its dependence on Russian and Iranian support, which has weakened amidst shifting geopolitical landscapes. Russia’s focus on the war in Ukraine and Hezbollah’s losses in the conflict with Israel have left the regime forces increasingly exposed. The fall of Homs, a key city south of Hama, could isolate Damascus from its coastal strongholds and potentially lead to regime collapse.

The ongoing fighting exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in northern and northwestern Syria. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that escalating hostilities have displaced thousands, with many fleeing from Tel Rifaat to northeastern Syria.

With over 280,000 civilians displaced, experts warn of the risk of ISIS and other extremist groups exploiting the chaos, threatening both Syria and the wider region.

Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this article.