Rebel fighters claimed to have captured the Syrian capital of Damascus, marking a significant turn in the 13-year-long civil war. The rebels said they freed the city from President Bashar al-Assad’s rule. However, the claim has not been independently confirmed. Reports suggest that Assad has left Damascus, although his whereabouts remain unknown. The rebels also announced the liberation of prisoners held in Sednaya Prison. The sudden takeover of Damascus by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham militants is seen as a blow to the external forces that have supported Assad’s regime, including Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah. President Joe Biden was monitoring the situation in Syria and in touch with regional partners. The rebels also captured the cities of Homs and Daraa in a rapid assault on government forces. The rebel forces have been making significant advances, capturing cities like Aleppo and Hama. HTS, an Al Qaeda affiliate, has been designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the U.N. The recent success of the rebels is a result of years of strengthening their forces and equipping them with advanced weapons. The conflict in Syria has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands and forced millions to flee the country, causing tensions in Europe. The situation in Syria is part of broader regional conflicts involving Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
Assad reportedly flees capital as Syrian rebels capture Damascus
