Sat Dec 07 23:57:01 UTC 2024: ## Syrian Insurgents on Brink of Victory as Damascus Falls Under Siege

**DAMASCUS, SYRIA –** Syrian rebels are poised to capture Damascus, according to U.S. officials, following a lightning-fast offensive that has already resulted in the seizure of several major cities, including Homs. The rapid advance has left the Assad regime teetering on the brink of collapse.

Insurgents, who claim to have fully liberated Homs on Sunday, have encircled Damascus, reaching its suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana, and Daraya. Further advances are underway from eastern and southern directions. This dramatic escalation follows the recent rebel capture of Aleppo and Hama, significantly weakening Assad’s position.

The swiftness of the offensive has been attributed to several factors. Iran, a key supporter of Assad, has largely withdrawn its forces, while Russia, preoccupied with the war in Ukraine, has limited capacity to intervene effectively. Hezbollah, another crucial Assad ally, has been weakened by recent conflicts with Israel.

The situation has prompted a response from President-elect Donald Trump, who, via Truth Social, declared the conflict “not our fight” and urged the U.S. to remain uninvolved.

Thousands of civilians are fleeing the fighting, creating a humanitarian crisis. The collapse of Assad’s regime could have significant geopolitical implications, impacting regional power dynamics and potentially destabilizing the entire region. The fall of Homs cuts off Damascus’s connection to the coastal region, where Assad retains significant support.

Meanwhile, U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have made gains in the east, capturing parts of Deir el-Zour province and its capital, a key artery in Iran’s supply line. This further isolates the Assad regime, with the insurgents now controlling major border crossings with Jordan and Iraq, leaving only the Masnaa crossing with Lebanon open to the government.

International discussions are underway, with foreign ministers from Iran, Russia, and Turkey scheduled to meet in Qatar to address the unfolding crisis. Qatar’s foreign minister expressed concern over the speed of the rebel advance and the potential for further damage to Syria if a political process isn’t swiftly implemented. The Syrian government continues to label the opposition as “terrorists”.

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