In a stunning turn of events, the rebels, led by the Islamists of Hayat tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), have seized control of Syria’s major cities, toppling president Bashar Al-Assad in just over ten days. Here’s a chronological recap of the pivotal moments leading to this historic shift:
November 27: The Offensive Begins
HTS, a group once linked to Al-Qaeda, and Turkey-backed rebels launched an assault on territories held by the Al-Assad regime in Aleppo province. The regime retaliated with airstrikes, marking the start of a rapid escalation.
November 29: Rebels at the Gates of aleppo
The rebel coalition advanced, bombing Aleppo and reaching the city’s outskirts, seizing over fifty other northern localities. The Syrian army and its russian ally responded with intense air raids on Idlib and surrounding areas.
November 30: Most of Aleppo in Rebel Hands
Rebels gained control of the majority of Aleppo, including the airport, government buildings, and prisons.Russian aircraft bombed aleppo for the first time since its recapture by regime forces in 2016. The coalition also captured the strategic city of Saraqeb.
December 1: Fall of Aleppo
Rebels took full control of Aleppo, marking the first time since the civil war began in 2011 that the city was entirely out of regime hands. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that the insurgents advanced “without encountering significant resistance.”
December 2: Iran and Russia Rally to Al-Assad’s Aid
Pro-Turkish rebel groups seized the town of Tal Rifaat, previously held by Kurdish forces.In response, Russia and Iran offered “unconditional” support to Al-Assad’s syria. Syrian and Russian planes bombed rebel-held areas in northwest Syria, resulting in the deaths of at least eleven people.
December 5: Fall of Hama
The rebels took control of Hama, Syria’s fourth-largest city, where a statue of former president Hafez Al-Assad, father of Bashar Al-Assad, was toppled by the populace. Nearby…
The situation in Syria continues to evolve rapidly, with the fall of major cities and the shifting alliances of international powers. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
In a harrowing turn of events, the city of Homs has become a battleground, with residents fleeing in droves amidst escalating violence. According to the Office for the Supervision of Democratic Humanitarianism (OSDH), the death toll from a week of intense fighting has surpassed 700, marking a grim milestone in the ongoing conflict.
On December 7, the rebels seized control of Homs, the nation’s third-largest city, in a significant victory. They claim to have liberated over 3,500 detainees from the notorious Homs prison, a symbol of the regime’s oppressive rule. The rebels’ advance has been relentless, as they now hold sway over the entire province of Deraa in the south, the birthplace of the 2011 uprising, and are closing in on Damascus, just 20 kilometers away.
Government forces are in retreat, abandoning the province of qouneitra on the golan Heights, and facing Kurdish forces, they are losing control of sectors in the eastern province of Deir ez-Zor. The tide of the conflict has shifted dramatically, with the rebels gaining ground and the regime’s grip weakening.
In a stunning progress on the night of December 7 to 8, the High transition Council (HTC) announced its entry into Damascus, taking control of Saydnaya prison, a notorious site of regime abuses. The rebels and the OSDH confirmed that President Bashar Al-Assad had fled the country by plane, ending his 24-year reign. Following his departure, government forces abandoned the Damascus airport, signaling a significant loss of control.
Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Al-Jalali has expressed his willingness to work with “any leadership that the Syrian people choose,” indicating a potential shift in the political landscape. The situation in Syria remains fluid, with the rebels’ advances and the regime’s retreat setting the stage for a new chapter in the country’s tumultuous history.
The images from Homs paint a grim picture of the devastation wrought by the conflict. The city, once a bustling hub, now stands as a testament to the human cost of war.The international community watches with bated breath as the situation in Syria continues to unfold, with the fate of the nation hanging in the balance.
Historic Shift in Syria: The Fall of Assad’s Regime Amidst Rising Rebel Power
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In a stunning turn of events, the political landscape of Syria has shifted dramatically as the rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have seized control of major cities, culminating in the toppling of President Bashar Al-Assad. This interview explores the recent developments in Syria’s conflict, shedding light on the implications for the future of the nation.
The Origins of the Current offensive
Senior Editor: Welcome too the interview. To start off, can you explain the circumstances that led to the current offensive by the rebels in Syria?
Expert: Thank you for having me. The offensive began on November 27, when HTS and Turkey-backed rebel groups launched a coordinated attack on regime-held territories in Aleppo province. The regime retaliated with airstrikes,marking the start of a significant escalation in the conflict.
Key Developments in the Campaign
Senior Editor: It sounds like there was a rapid progression in the conflict. Can you summarize some of the key milestones in this campaign leading up to now?
Expert: Certainly. After initiating the offensive,the rebels quickly advanced and reached the outskirts of Aleppo by November 29,prompting intense air raids from the Syrian army and their Russian allies.by December 1, rebels had taken full control of Aleppo, marking a watershed moment as it was the first time as the civil war began that the city was entirely out of regime hands. This rapid succession of events continued with Hama falling on December 5 and Homs on December 7, demonstrating the rebels’ unprecedented momentum.
International Responses and Implications
Senior Editor: With such significant changes on the ground, how have international powers responded? Has the regime received support?
Expert: Yes, in fact, following the fall of Aleppo, both iran and Russia reaffirmed their support for Assad’s regime. They offered what they termed “unconditional” assistance, wich included airstrikes aimed at rebelling-held areas. Though,these efforts have not been successful in arresting the rebels’ advance; their control is expanding rapidly,and the regime’s hold is deteriorating.
The Fall of Assad and What’s Next for Syria
Senior Editor: As the situation escalates,there’s speculation about the fate of President Assad himself. can you shed light on the reports regarding his departure?
Expert: Indeed, there are credible reports that on the night of December 7 to 8, President Assad fled the country by plane, effectively ending his 24-year rule. This was confirmed by both the High Transition Council and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). His departure indicates a monumental shift in power dynamics, creating a vacuum that could lead to further instability but also possibilities for new governance.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Syria
Senior Editor: Given these developments, what do you envision for the future of Syria?
Expert: It’s challenging to predict, but the fall of Assad could lead to a complex power struggle. While Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Al-Jalali expressed a willingness to cooperate with any new leadership, the path to peace may be fraught with challenges as various factions vie for control. The international community’s response will also play a critical role in shaping Syria’s post-Assad landscape.
Conclusion
Senior Editor: Thank you for your insights. The situation in Syria remains fluid and continued monitoring is essential as events unfold. We appreciate your expertise on this critical issue.
Expert: Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing how this all develops, as the fate of Syria hangs in the balance.
