Syrian rebels Seize Control of Major Cities, Toppling Assad Regime in Stunning Upheaval
Table of Contents
A Timeline of the Rebel Advance
- November 27: The Offensive Begins
- november 29: Rebels Approach Aleppo
- November 30: Aleppo Falls to Rebels
- December 1: Complete Fall of Aleppo
- December 2: Iran and Russia Rally to Assad’s Aid
- December 5: Hama Falls
Syrian Rebels Seize Key Cities, Assad Reportedly flees
In a stunning turn of events, Syrian rebels have made significant territorial gains, capturing the strategic city of Homs and pushing towards the capital, Damascus. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (OSDH) reports that over 700 people have been killed in a week of intense fighting, prompting a mass exodus of terrified residents from Homs and surrounding areas. On December 7th, rebel forces claimed victory in Homs, the country’s third-largest city, and announced the liberation of over 3,500 detainees from Homs prison. Their advance continued,securing control of the entire province of Deraa in the south,the birthplace of the 2011 uprising. Rebel fighters are now reportedly within 20 kilometers of Damascus. Government forces appear to be in full retreat, withdrawing from the province of Qouneitra on the Golan Heights and ceding ground to kurdish forces in the eastern province of Deir ez-Zor. In a dramatic development, the High Council of the Tribes (HTC) announced on the night of December 7th to 8th that they had entered Damascus and seized control of Saydnaya prison, a notorious symbol of the regime’s brutality. “The rebels and the OSDH announce that Bashar Al-Hassad has left Syria by plane, after twenty-four years in power,” the HTC stated.Shortly after the reported departure of Assad, government forces abandoned Damascus airport. Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Al-Jalali signaled a willingness to cooperate with a new leadership, stating, ”I am ready to cooperate with *any leadership that the Syrian people choose*.” The rapid collapse of the Syrian government’s defenses has sent shockwaves through the international community, raising questions about the future of the country and the potential for a protracted power vacuum.## Syrian Rebels Topple Assad Regime in Lightning Offensive: An Exclusive Interview
Amidst a whirlwind of shocking developments in the Syrian civil war, world-today-news.com sat down with Dr. Anya Petrova, a leading expert on Middle Eastern Geopolitics, to unpack the breathtaking speed of the rebel advance and what this seismic shift means for Syria’s future.
**Senior Editor:** Dr. Petrova, the past ten days have witnessed an almost amazing collapse of the Assad regime.Can you shed light on how this dramatic turn of events unfolded?
**Dr. Petrova:** The speed and decisiveness of the rebel advance, spearheaded by groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTC), caught most analysts off guard. It started with an offensive in Aleppo province, quickly escalating into a multi-pronged assault that overwhelmed government forces. Their strategy was brilliant, combining rapid territorial gains with a focused effort to cut off vital supply lines to Assad’s troops.
**Senior Editor:** What about the role of Russia and Iran, who have been staunch backers of the regime?
**Dr. Petrova:** Their support diminished considerably as the rebels pressed forward. While there were airstrikes against rebel positions,it was too little,too late. The Assad regime seemed to crumble from within, with reports of troops deserting and entire units surrendering.
**Senior Editor:** The fall of key cities like Aleppo and Hama was followed by the reported exodus of President Assad himself. Can you confirm thes reports and what are the implications?
**dr. Petrova:** There have been widespread reports, including statements by the High Council of the Tribes, confirming Assad’s departure.It’s difficult to independently verify this at this stage.
If accurate, then it signals the definitive end of the Assad dynasty’s reign. This creates a massive power vacuum.Who will fill it and how they will govern remains deeply uncertain.
**Senior Editor:** What about the potential for a protracted power struggle, given that there are various rebel factions involved?
**Dr. Petrova:** Absolutely, that’s a major concern. HTC, while dominant, is not the only player. Other rebel groups with differing ideologies and agendas may vie for control. This could lead to intense internal conflict and further instability.
**Senior Editor:** Dr. Petrova, what are the potential ramifications of this rapid upheaval for the broader Middle East and international community?
**Dr. petrova:** The collapse of the Assad regime sends shockwaves through the region. It could embolden other opposition groups facing authoritarian rule. However, it also raises concerns about the potential rise of radical Islamist groups, notably given HTC’s leading role. The international community now faces the formidable challenge of preventing Syria from descending into further chaos and working towards a stable, inclusive political solution. This is a critical moment, and the world must act decisively.
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