Syrian rebel forces have made significant advances toward Damascus, threatening President Bashar al-Assad's stronghold. The rebel coalition, led by Islamist faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), claims to have entered Homs, Syria’s third-largest city, forcing a retreat by government forces. Homs, a critical link between Damascus and Assad’s coastal support base, now appears poised to fall into rebel hands.

HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani declared that their forces were nearing both Homs and Damascus, signaling the regime’s imminent collapse. Simultaneously, southern rebel factions have seized Daraa province, birthplace of the 2011 uprising, and moved toward the capital, toppling symbols of Assad’s rule along the way. Other factions have captured Sweida in the southwest and Quneitra near the Golan Heights, creating a pincer movement around Damascus.

Reports indicate Assad boarded a plane for an undisclosed destination, signaling his regime’s precarious position. Iran, a key ally, is reportedly evacuating military commanders, while Hezbollah has pulled back its forces. Russia, preoccupied with its war in Ukraine, has offered little support, leaving Assad increasingly isolated.

The fighting has caused massive civilian displacement, with over 370,000 fleeing in just a week, according to the UN. Rebel forces reportedly freed prisoners from the notorious Sednaya prison, further emboldening their ranks. Meanwhile, residents in liberated areas have torn down regime symbols and celebrated the retreat of government troops.

The deteriorating situation has raised concerns over chemical weapons. US intelligence is monitoring suspected sites, wary of potential last-resort attacks. The Assad regime has a history of deploying chemical weapons, including the Ghouta attack in 2013 and the Khan Shaykhun attack in 2017, both condemned by international observers.

Turkey has urged an end to the bloodshed, while India and the US have issued advisories for their citizens to evacuate Syria. Israel, facing a multi-front conflict involving Hamas and Hezbollah, now braces for new uncertainties along its northern border.

The fall of Assad’s regime would reshape the Middle East, replacing one authoritarian power with a fragmented and uncertain rebel coalition, leaving questions about Syria’s future governance and stability.

Syrian rebel forces have made significant advances toward Damascus, threatening President Bashar al-Assad's stronghold. The rebel coalition, led by Islamist faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), claims to have entered Homs, Syria’s third-largest city, forcing a retreat by government forces. Homs, a critical link between Damascus and Assad’s coastal support base, now appears poised to fall into rebel hands.

HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani declared that their forces were nearing both Homs and Damascus, signaling the regime’s imminent collapse. Simultaneously, southern rebel factions have seized Daraa province, birthplace of the 2011 uprising, and moved toward the capital, toppling symbols of Assad’s rule along the way. Other factions have captured Sweida in the southwest and Quneitra near the Golan Heights, creating a pincer movement around Damascus.

Reports indicate Assad boarded a plane for an undisclosed destination, signaling his regime’s precarious position. Iran, a key ally, is reportedly evacuating military commanders, while Hezbollah has pulled back its forces. Russia, preoccupied with its war in Ukraine, has offered little support, leaving Assad increasingly isolated.

The fighting has caused massive civilian displacement, with over 370,000 fleeing in just a week, according to the UN. Rebel forces reportedly freed prisoners from the notorious Sednaya prison, further emboldening their ranks. Meanwhile, residents in liberated areas have torn down regime symbols and celebrated the retreat of government troops.

The deteriorating situation has raised concerns over chemical weapons. US intelligence is monitoring suspected sites, wary of potential last-resort attacks. The Assad regime has a history of deploying chemical weapons, including the Ghouta attack in 2013 and the Khan Shaykhun attack in 2017, both condemned by international observers.

Turkey has urged an end to the bloodshed, while India and the US have issued advisories for their citizens to evacuate Syria. Israel, facing a multi-front conflict involving Hamas and Hezbollah, now braces for new uncertainties along its northern border.

The fall of Assad’s regime would reshape the Middle East, replacing one authoritarian power with a fragmented and uncertain rebel coalition, leaving questions about Syria’s future governance and stability.