Syrian rebels seize Homs and make gains towards Damascus

Syrian rebels, led by the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have claimed to have captured multiple cities, including Homs, as they continue their offensive towards Damascus. This rapid advance threatens the regime of President Bashar Al-Assad and could potentially cut off the road between Damascus and the Syrian coast. Independent verification of these claims has been challenging due to the dangers faced by journalists in Syria. The rebels have also made strategic gains in Daraa, a symbolic city where protests in 2011 sparked the civil war. The fall of Homs would leave major cities under rebel control and pose a significant threat to Assad’s hold on power. Russia and Iran, who have supported Assad, may face challenges due to broader regional tensions. Despite the rebels’ advances, the outcome of the conflict remains uncertain and will depend on the fighting spirit of the Syrian army and support from external allies. Reports also indicate clashes between government troops and Kurdish forces in eastern Syria, as well as continued violence in various parts of the country resulting in significant casualties. The situation has prompted neighboring countries like Jordan to close border crossings due to security concerns, while Syrian government forces have withdrawn from the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights for the first time in decades. The ongoing offensive by rebels has led to a widespread destabilization of the region and increased risks for civilians caught in the crossfire.

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