Sun Dec 08 05:03:51 UTC 2024: ## Rebels Seize Homs, Advance on Damascus Amidst Syrian Civil War
**BEIRUT, SYRIA** – Rebel forces have claimed complete control of Homs, Syria’s third-largest city, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing civil war. The Islamist-led Hayat Tahrir al-Sham alliance launched its offensive on November 27th, previously capturing Aleppo and Hamas. Their advance now threatens the capital, Damascus.
The conflict, which began with President Bashar al-Assad’s violent suppression of pro-democracy protests, has claimed over 500,000 lives and displaced more than half the Syrian population. The United Nations estimates that 370,000 people have been recently displaced due to the renewed fighting.
Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump has reiterated his stance on non-intervention in the Syrian conflict, stating on Truth Social that the situation is “a mess” and that the United States should not become involved. He declared, “Syria is not our friend, and the United States should have nothing to do with it. This is not our fight. Let it play out. Do not get involved.” This statement reflects a continued commitment to a non-interventionist foreign policy. The international community is closely monitoring the situation as the rebel advance continues.
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