Sat Dec 07 02:55:16 UTC 2024: ## Rebel Forces Seize Key Syrian Cities, Assad’s Rule Crumbles

**BEIRUT, Lebanon – December 7, 2024** – Syrian rebel forces, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, have achieved stunning victories in recent days, seizing control of several key cities and significantly weakening President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The fall of Daraa, once considered the “cradle of the revolution,” marks a major turning point in the ongoing civil war. Local armed groups, not just the HTS alliance which took Aleppo and Hama, have now captured Daraa, controlling over 90% of the province.

This rapid series of defeats represents the most significant territorial losses for Assad’s forces since the war began in 2011. The rebels are now pushing towards Homs, Syria’s third-largest city, after government troops withdrew from Deir Ezzor to reinforce central defenses. The offensive, launched on November 27th, has resulted in the displacement of an estimated 280,000 people and the deaths of at least 826, including civilians.

HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani has openly declared the overthrow of Assad as the offensive’s objective. The group, while designated a terrorist organization by Western governments, has significantly expanded its territory, now controlling nearly seven times more land than before the offensive. The loss of Hama is described by analysts as a “massive blow” to the Assad regime. The potential fall of Homs could severely cripple the government’s ability to function as a cohesive state.

The situation has triggered a mass exodus of Alawites from Homs, fearing rebel retribution. Meanwhile, Syrians exiled by the war express jubilation at the developments.

The escalating conflict has prompted international involvement. Turkey plans talks with Russia and Iran, while Iran has pledged continued support for Assad. Kurdish-led forces, backed by the U.S., have taken control of territory vacated by government forces and expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with both Turkey and the rebels. The intense fighting has also resulted in significant civilian casualties. The international community is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation with concern.

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