Syrian Forces and Rebels Clash in Strategic Hama Offensive

Syrian government forces have launched a counteroffensive against Islamist rebels, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, in the strategic city of Hama. This comes after the rebels, who have roots in al-Qaeda, made significant advances following their capture of Aleppo. The conflict has highlighted President Bashar al-Assad's tenuous control over the country, with reports of Russian airstrikes supporting his forces. The ongoing violence has resulted in hundreds of deaths and displaced tens of thousands of people.