The strategically important province of Homs, a key gateway to the Syrian capital of Damascus, is considered the “heart” of Syria due to its geographical location, proximity to energy resources, and logistical advantages.
Homs is also one of the most important cities in the country after Aleppo and Damascus, known as the “cultural capital” as it bears the marks of many civilizations such as Rome, Byzantium, the Umayyads, the Abbasids, and the Ottomans.
Additionally, Homs plays a crucial role in Syria both in terms of domestic politics and international balance due to its geographical position, proximity to energy resources, and logistical benefits.
Located in the western part of Syria, Homs occupies a central position in terms of transportation and logistics, with crossroads connecting major cities like Damascus, Aleppo, and Latakia.
Situated along the M5 highway, Homs enjoys strategic advantages in terms of trade and military mobility due to its proximity to the Port of Latakia, which provides access to the Mediterranean.
Moreover, natural gas and oil pipelines pass near Homs, making it strategically significant for energy resources.
Homs holds a vital economic role for both the local and national economy with its fertile agricultural land and numerous industrial facilities.
Civil war
In the early years of the Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, Homs became a hub of anti-government protests and the scene of violent clashes between regime forces and opposition groups.
Opposition groups began resisting the regime, particularly in neighborhoods such as Baba Amr and al-Khalidiya, which became some of the opposition’s strongholds.
The Syrian army conducted intense bombardment and sieges to reclaim areas under opposition control in 2012.
The Baba Amr district was subjected to heavy shelling at the beginning of 2012 and was captured by regime forces.
During the siege, the transport of food, medicine, and humanitarian aid was blocked, leaving civilians severely affected.
Siege and surrender
In 2014, the opposition, trapped in the so-called Old City in the center of Homs, surrendered after a long siege and negotiations.
During this process, the regime regained control of the city, and opposition forces were evacuated to regions like Idlib.
After the opposition’s evacuation, the Syrian regime implemented policies encouraging demographic changes in Homs. Some neighborhoods were completely evacuated, while regime supporters were settled in certain areas.
Homs, which suffered massive destruction, saw many historical and cultural sites damaged, and thousands of people were forced to flee their homes.
The United Nations (UN) and international humanitarian organizations repeatedly called for a ceasefire due to the humanitarian crisis in the city.
