Anti-Assad rebel forces captured the strategic Syrian city of Hama Thursday, marking one of the most significant developments in Syria's 13-year civil war. The surprise attack on Assad's forces, led by the Salafi-jihadist organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) under the command of Abu Mohammed al-Golani, had reportedly been in planning for four years. In addition to HTS, fears are growing that ISIS is seeking to exploit the situation. Israeli officials are closely monitoring developments. Analysts suggest the fall of Homs, a pivotal city south of Hama, could sever Damascus from coastal strongholds and signal a potential regime collapse.