Syrian Rebels Close in on Damascus as Army Faces Collapse
Damascus, Syria – In a rapidly evolving crisis, Syrian rebels have advanced to within 50 kilometers of the capital Damascus, marking a significant shift in the country’s ongoing civil war. The rebel coalition, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has seized several key cities, including Aleppo, Hama, and Daraa, in a lightning offensive that has caught many by surprise.
The Syrian army, which has been struggling to maintain control, has reportedly withdrawn from several strategic locations, including the key city of Homs. This retreat has left the capital vulnerable, with anxious residents reporting increased security forces on the streets.
The international community is closely watching the situation, with concerns about potential regional instability. Russia, a key ally of the Syrian government, has urged its citizens to leave the country, while the UN has reported that at least 370,000 people have been displaced since the rebel offensive began.
As the rebels continue their advance, the future of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime hangs in the balance. The UN special envoy for Syria has called for urgent talks in Geneva to discuss an orderly political transition.
