Syrian Rebels Facing Defeat in Key City of Homs

A sustained attack by Syrian government forces over the last 10 days has recaptured most of the strategic city of Homs.

The struggling rebels increasingly feel abandoned by the outside world.

The BBC’s Paul Wood in Beirut has been in touch with rebels in Homs says some have shared pictures of themselves wearing suicide vests, saying this is all they have left.

Wood says it looks like it’s only a matter of time before Homs is taken by the government of Bashar al-Assad, which seems to be gaining momentum in the civil war, while the rebels are increasingly divided.

Invest in independent global news

The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!