After the fall of Hama, the next major city in the Syrian opposition forces’ path is Homs, just 40 km away along the M5 highway, with only Er-Rastan and Talbiseh in between.

Er-Rastan’s terrain offers defensive advantages, with the Orontes River and a reservoir protecting its flanks.

However, Assad army’s failure to secure Hama’s flanks led to its loss, raising doubts about its ability to hold Er-Rastan.

If Syrian forces capture Homs, they gain routes to Damascus and the coastal regions, threatening key Russian bases in Tartus and Hmeimim, potentially forcing their evacuation.