The Syrian civil war has reached a critical turning point as rebel forces close in on Damascus. After 11 days of a lightning offensive, President Bashar al-Assad’s government is on the brink of collapse. Rebel groups have made unprecedented gains across the country, capturing major cities and strategic locations.
The Free Syrian Army (FSA) has advanced to within 20 kilometers of Damascus from the south. Meanwhile, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies are battling on the outskirts of Homs, Syria’s third-largest city. The fall of Homs would cut off Damascus from Assad’s coastal strongholds.
In a stunning development, the Syrian army has retreated from vast swathes of territory. Rebels have seized control of Palmyra, Hassaka, and Deir Ez Zor, along with other key cities. The government has lost its grip on entire provinces, including Daraa and Sweida in the south.
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As the regime weakens, thousands of political prisoners have been freed. Many had been held since the beginning of the uprising in 2011, with some dating back to the 1980s. This mass release has further energized the opposition.
Syrian Rebels Encircle Damascus as Assad Regime Crumbles
In the east, local militias have joined the rebel cause, complicating the situation for Kurdish YPG forces. This shift in alliances could reshape the power dynamics in the region.
The rapid collapse of government control has sparked urgent diplomatic efforts. Foreign ministers from Russia, Iran, and Turkey are meeting in Qatar to discuss the crisis. These talks take on new urgency as Damascus faces encirclement and potential fall.
The situation remains fluid, with significant implications for the future of Syria and the broader Middle East. As rebels advance from multiple directions, the Assad regime’s survival hangs in the balance. The coming days may determine whether Damascus will fall and if Assad’s 23-year rule will come to an end.
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