Sat Dec 07 23:57:03 UTC 2024: ## Syrian Rebels Seize Key Cities, Assad Appears Isolated as Iran and Russia Withdraw Support
**Damascus, Syria** – A major offensive by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebel group and its allies has seized control of three major Syrian cities, dramatically escalating the conflict and leaving Syrian President Bashar al-Assad increasingly isolated. The rebels have captured Aleppo, Hama, and most recently, Daraa, the southern city where the 2011 uprising against Assad began. Reports indicate the Syrian army negotiated a withdrawal from Daraa, granting safe passage to Damascus. This leaves the capital encircled on two fronts, with Daraa only 90 km away.
The rapid advance, starting on November 27th, has prompted a major response. Iran, a key Assad ally, has begun evacuating its military commanders, Revolutionary Guards, diplomats, and their families, citing an inability to continue supporting Assad effectively. An Iranian official, speaking anonymously to the New York Times, expressed concerns about the Syrian army’s inability to counter the rebel advance. This withdrawal has been met with outrage in Iran, with some parliament members criticizing the government’s inaction.
Russia, another long-time Assad supporter, also appears to be scaling back its involvement. While initial reports suggested Russian air support for the Syrian army in Aleppo, that support has dwindled. The Russian embassy in Damascus has advised its citizens to leave the country, and the Kremlin has reportedly stated it has no solution to the crisis. Analysts suggest this marks the first time Assad is facing the conflict largely alone.
Former US President Donald Trump weighed in on the escalating crisis, stating on social media that the US should not be involved in the Syrian conflict, calling it “not our fight.”
Following the escalating conflict, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has advised Indian citizens to avoid travel to Syria and has issued safety guidelines for those currently residing in the country.
The HTS, once affiliated with al-Qaeda, is now Syria’s most powerful rebel group, boasting an estimated 30,000 fighters. Its leader, Abu Mohammad al-Julani, has been a significant threat to the Assad regime for years. The US designated HTS as a terrorist organization in 2018.
The situation raises serious concerns about the future stability of Syria and the potential humanitarian consequences. The conflict, which began in 2011, has already claimed over 300,000 lives and displaced millions.
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