Rebel fighters claimed to have captured the Syrian capital of Damascus, leading to a potential turning point in the 13-year-long civil war in the country. The militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham announced the liberation of the city from President Bashar al-Assad’s rule, but this claim has not been independently confirmed. The rebels also stated that they had freed those held in Sednaya Prison. This sudden takeover of the capital by HTS militants is seen as a blow to the outside forces supporting Assad, namely Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah.
The rebels’ rapid advance also included the capture of cities like Homs, Aleppo, and Hama, threatening Assad’s hold on power. Meanwhile, pro-Assad soldiers were facing battles with Kurdish forces in eastern Syria. HTS, which evolved from an Al Qaeda affiliate, is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the UN.
The recent successes of HTS are attributed to years of efforts to build a capable fighting force capable of challenging Assad’s army. This includes equipping rebels with high-tech weapons of war, making it difficult for Assad’s regime to defend against or outmaneuver them. The ongoing conflict in Syria has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands, with millions of Syrians fleeing the country seeking refuge in Europe. The situation remains fluid, and updates are anticipated as the situation unfolds.
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