Syria - December 04, 2024 Light traffic jam and people's limited activities on Wednesday signaled a state of anxiety in Hama, the fourth largest city in Syria, as the rebel forces approached the city. Sounds of bombs and air force jets were alarming signs of possible return of a long war to the tranquil city. Syrian rebel factions, mainly Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), seized control of the country's second largest city of Aleppo a few days ago. The rebel forces are now at Hama's northern outskirts, having captured 11 surrounding villages. Military reinforcements of the Syrian government have arrived at Hama to bolster the frontlines. The rebel forces have intensified their assaults to pose a threat on the Syrian government popular base. The battle of Hama carries huge stakes if the Syrian government loses control over it as the city is considered "the gate of Northern Syria". It is also a station for troops mobilizing and supply route for Aleppo vowed counter offensive. Till Wednesday night, the rebel forces have been trying to attack the city from three directions but the government army managed to absorb their attacks and stop them at the northern outskirts of the city. The attacks on the outskirts of Hama sparked a large wave of displacement from surrounding villages to the safer places as swarms of drones and indiscriminate shelling have been used as a tactic by the rebels in their assault. Shotlist: Hama Province, Syria - Dec 4, 2024: 1. Street scene, vehicles, pedestrians; 2. Various of soldiers on street; 3. Various of traffic; 4. Various of buildings, poster of Bashar al-Assad, Syrian President; 5. Traffic, buildings; Aleppo, Syria - Nov 29, 2024 6. Various of building. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland/Orient TV/Syria Alshaab TV/Zanoubia TV/Alhurra TV/ANN TV/Al Jazeera/Al-Arabiya TV]