Syrian insurgents have reached the suburbs of Damascus as part of a rapid offensive that has seen them gain control of some of Syria’s largest cities, according to opposition activists and a rebel commander. Rami Abdurrahman of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that insurgents are now active in suburbs of Damascus, while rebel commander Hassan Abdul-Ghani stated that opposition forces are encircling the city as part of their final offensive stage.
The Syrian army has withdrawn from much of southern Syria, leaving areas under the control of opposition fighters, including two provincial capitals. The military sent reinforcements to defend the city of Homs as insurgents approached its outskirts. The advances mark a significant setback for President Bashar Assad, who lacks support from allies like Russia, Hezbollah, and Iran. Reports indicate that Iran’s military advisers are leaving Syria, and Russia, Turkey, and Iran are meeting to discuss the situation.
The offensive, initiated by the jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has seen the capture of major cities like Aleppo and Hama. The insurgents’ goal is to overthrow Assad’s government, posing a threat to Syria’s territorial integrity. Meanwhile, Syrian government forces remain in control of five provincial capitals, while U.S.-backed fighters captured parts of eastern Syria. The situation is evolving rapidly, with significant implications for the region’s security and stability.
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