Syrian insurgents are making rapid advances, reaching the suburbs of Damascus and capturing major cities, leaving President Bashar Assad largely isolated. His allies, Russia, Hezbollah, and Iran, are preoccupied with other conflicts. Rebels, led by the jihadi Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, aim to overthrow Assad. The offensive has seen insurgents capture Aleppo, Hama, and approach the outskirts of Homs. Iran’s military advisers are leaving Syria, and Iran-backed fighters are withdrawing. The Syrian government is redeploying forces to defend key cities. The situation has raised concerns about Syria’s territorial integrity and the urgent need for a political process. Qatar’s foreign minister criticized Assad’s failure to engage with the people and prevent the rebels’ rapid advances. The capture of border crossings by rebels and U.S.-backed fighters has limited the Syrian government’s access to the outside world. The Syrian conflict, ongoing since 2011, shows no sign of abating, with rebels gaining ground and Assad fighting to maintain control.
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Syrian opposition activists claim that rebels have advanced to the outskirts of Damascus.
