In a major blow to President Bashar al-Assad's regime, Syrian government forces have lost control of Daraa, the city where the country’s 2011 uprising began. Once the epicenter of peaceful protests, Daraa has now fallen almost entirely under opposition control, with rebels holding over 90% of the province, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The uprising in Daraa was sparked by the detention and alleged torture of boys for anti-regime graffiti, igniting a conflict that has killed over 500,000 people and displaced millions. Daraa’s fall comes on the heels of significant government losses, including Aleppo and Hama, further emboldening rebels to advance south toward Homs and closer to Damascus.

Leading the charge is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a coalition with roots in Al-Qaeda. While designated a terrorist group, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani insists their primary goal is overthrowing Assad. Meanwhile, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), supported by the U.S., have seized Deir Ezzor in the east, prompting a rapid withdrawal of regime forces to Palmyra.

Airstrikes by Syrian and Russian forces have so far failed to halt the rebel advance, with analysts noting Russia’s military focus is divided, particularly due to the war in Ukraine. Neighboring countries are taking defensive measures: Jordan has closed its borders, Lebanon has restricted crossings, and Israel has reinforced its positions on the Golan Heights.

The UN estimates over 280,000 people have been displaced since the offensive began, while Iran has reportedly begun evacuating personnel and civilians amid rising hostility. Homs, Syria’s third-largest city, braces for a rebel push, with thousands fleeing, including many from Assad’s Alawite community, fearing the intensifying conflict

In a major blow to President Bashar al-Assad's regime, Syrian government forces have lost control of Daraa, the city where the country’s 2011 uprising began. Once the epicenter of peaceful protests, Daraa has now fallen almost entirely under opposition control, with rebels holding over 90% of the province, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The uprising in Daraa was sparked by the detention and alleged torture of boys for anti-regime graffiti, igniting a conflict that has killed over 500,000 people and displaced millions. Daraa’s fall comes on the heels of significant government losses, including Aleppo and Hama, further emboldening rebels to advance south toward Homs and closer to Damascus.

Leading the charge is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a coalition with roots in Al-Qaeda. While designated a terrorist group, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani insists their primary goal is overthrowing Assad. Meanwhile, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), supported by the U.S., have seized Deir Ezzor in the east, prompting a rapid withdrawal of regime forces to Palmyra.

Airstrikes by Syrian and Russian forces have so far failed to halt the rebel advance, with analysts noting Russia’s military focus is divided, particularly due to the war in Ukraine. Neighboring countries are taking defensive measures: Jordan has closed its borders, Lebanon has restricted crossings, and Israel has reinforced its positions on the Golan Heights.

The UN estimates over 280,000 people have been displaced since the offensive began, while Iran has reportedly begun evacuating personnel and civilians amid rising hostility. Homs, Syria’s third-largest city, braces for a rebel push, with thousands fleeing, including many from Assad’s Alawite community, fearing the intensifying conflict