Syrian rebels celebrate seizing control over Homs by stomping on a poster of President Bashar al-Assad.
Syria n opposition fighters have reached the suburbs of the Damascus capital for the first time since the region was recaptured by government troops in 2018, as president Bashar al-Assad's regime nears collapse.
The fall of Homs and threat to the capital now pose an immediate existential danger to the Assad dynasty's five-decade reign over Syria and the continued influence there of its main regional backer, Iran. A giant portrait of Syrian president Bashar Assad sets on a building, as empty streets seen in Damascus, Syria
Syria's state news agency denied reports that Assad had already fled to Russia claiming he continued to govern from Damascus. 'Our forces have begun the final phase of encircling the capital, Damascus,' said rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani today, with the Islamist-led alliance that launched the offensive 10 days ago.
Assad's office said today that the President was staying put in the capital and continuing his duties after his children and British-born wife fled to Russia last week, and his brothers-in-law allegedly travelled to the UAE, per Syrian security officials. Local residents celebrate after opposition forces led by HTS took control of Hama city center and surrounding villages on December 6
Russia also appears not to be in a position to help Assad regain ground with focus and resources directed to Ukraine. It officially severed ties with al-Qaeda and created a civilian arm known as the 'Salvation Government' through which it seeks to govern in Syria, insisting it has no ambition to expand beyond the nation's borders.
The capture of Hama has given rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham , control of a strategic central city they never managed to seize before. While Hezbollah has reportedly sent 2,000 fighters to Syria, per a source close to the Iran-backed proxy group today, Assad's backing from allies continues to wither.
The Syrian Democratic Forces, the main ally of the US against the regime, meanwhile seized key areas in Deir ez Zor and Raqqa on December 6, making it harder for Iran to move forces in to help Assad or resupply Iranian-backed forces like Hezbollah.
— Charles Lister December 7, 2024 A member of the Syrian opposition stands at an entrance to the Hama governorate on the Damascus-Aleppo International Highway, December 3 The suburb is still nominally controlled by the Assad regime at the time of writing, and it did not appear to be militant rebel groups pulling down the statue, contrary to other reports.
Syria 's British-born first lady, Asma al-Assad , has been diagnosed with leukemia, the Syrian presidency said on Tuesday. The announcement came almost five years after the 48-year-old announced she had fully recovered from breast cancer Read MoreBREAKING NEWS Donald Trump takes swipe at Obama as he warns US should not intervene in Syria The IDF announced on Saturday afternoon that an attack had been carried out by 'armed individuals' at a UN post in the Hader area of Syria.
While Turkey and Russia were able to work together to broker a truce in May 2020, Turkish forces have backed opposition groups in an effort to displace ISIS. Anti-government fighters patrol the streets of Hama after they captured the central Syrian city, on December 6 Rebel groups were rumoured to have received operational training from Ukrainian special forces, learning from tactics developed during the war in Ukraine, the Kyiv Post reported.
News Russia Syria Iran Ukraine Israel
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Syrian insurgents 'reach suburbs of Damascus' as statue of Assad's father toppled rebelsRebel insurgents have reached the suburbs of the Syrian capital, Damascus - as the Syrian government's grip on power comes under threat.
Read more »
Syrian rebels seize key city of Hama in latest blow for Bashar al AssadThe central city of Homs, Syria's third-largest, sits around 40km (25 miles) away and is likely to be the insurgents' next target.
Read more »
Syrian rebels launch major offensive against Bashar al-Assad’s regimeUnexpected advance towards Aleppo aims to capitalise on increased pressure on Damascus
Read more »
Syrian rebels push into Damascus: Bashar al-Assad 'nowhere to be seen' as his soldiers flee into...Syrian rebels celebrate seizing control over Homs by stomping on a poster of President Bashar al-Assad.
Read more »
LIVE- Assad's regime on the brink of collapse as rebels surround DamascusAs panic spread through the capital, the world prepares for regime change and chaos
Read more »
Assad's regime on the brink of collapse as rebels surround Damascus and enter HomsA coalition of militant groups has stormed through the country in recent days, seizing a number of key cities
Read more »