Syrian President Bashar Assad has fled to Moscow after losing control of Damascus to rebel forces in a swift and dramatic advance that ended his family’s half-century-long rule. Russian state media reported that Assad was granted asylum by Moscow, his longtime ally, following negotiations with insurgent groups. The rebel victory sparked widespread celebrations in Damascus, with residents taking to the streets to mark what they called a new chapter for Syria. Gunfire echoed in celebration as people waved revolutionary flags, reminiscent of the Arab Spring protests that initially called for reforms before spiraling into Syria’s nearly 14-year-long civil war. U.S. President Joe Biden hailed Assad's downfall as a “fundamental act of justice,” crediting international efforts to weaken Assad’s allies, including Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah. However, Biden acknowledged the risks and uncertainties ahead, emphasizing the need to evaluate the actions of the victorious rebel factions. Rebels Assert Control Syrian state media confirmed that Assad had relinquished power and fled, with insurgents taking control of major institutions in Damascus. Rebel leaders, including Abu Mohammed al-Golani of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), vowed to establish a pluralistic and inclusive state. Al-Golani, formerly associated with al-Qaida, described Assad’s departure as a victory for the Islamic nation and renounced sectarian governance in favor of national unity. Amid the celebrations, Damascus residents prayed in mosques and roamed the streets, chanting anti-Assad slogans. Meanwhile, rebel forces sought to reassure minority groups, including Druze, Alawites, and Christians, promising equal treatment for all Syrians. Read: Who is Abu Mohammed al-Julani, leader of HTS in Syria? “We won’t repeat Assad’s mistakes,” said rebel commander Anas Salkhadi in a televised statement, appealing for calm and unity among the nation’s diverse communities. Challenges Ahead The transition poses significant challenges as Syria remains divided among rival factions. Turkish-backed opposition groups continue to clash with U.S.-allied Kurdish forces in the north, while remnants of the Islamic State remain active in remote areas. The fall of Assad marks a turning point in the region, further weakening Iran and Hezbollah, both of which played key roles in supporting his regime. Iran’s ambassador to Syria acknowledged the government’s inability to resist the rebels and called for a peaceful resolution to prevent further bloodshed. International actors, including the United Nations and regional powers, are calling for an orderly political transition to prevent the country’s collapse. Emergency meetings in Geneva and Qatar have underscored the urgency of coordinating efforts among global stakeholders. Regional Repercussions Assad’s ouster has also reignited tensions along Syria’s borders. Israel announced the capture of a buffer zone in the Golan Heights, citing security concerns following the Syrian army's retreat. The Arab League condemned Israel’s actions, accusing it of exploiting Syria’s crisis to expand its territorial claims. Read more: Syria’s opposition declares Damascus free from Assad regime As Syrians grapple with the aftermath of Assad’s fall, the road ahead remains fraught with uncertainty. For many, the priority is rebuilding their war-torn nation while ensuring peace and stability in a deeply fractured society. Source: With inputs from agencies

In a stunning turn of events, Syria’s armed opposition has announced that it has captured the capital, Damascus, declaring the city “free of tyrant al-Assad.” President Bashar al-Assad is reported to have fled the country amidst the offensive. The declaration was made by Abu Mohammed al-Julani, the commander of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), who stated that state institutions would remain under the oversight of al-Assad’s prime minister until they are officially handed over.  The announcement follows a swift and coordinated campaign by opposition forces that saw them seizing control of multiple cities in a matter of hours. “This is a historic day for Syria,” said al-Julani in a televised address. “The era of dictatorship and tyranny is over. We urge all Syrians to unite as we pave the way for a new chapter in our nation’s history.” The rapid developments have prompted an urgent response from the international community. In a joint statement, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Turkiye, and Russia described the situation as a “dangerous development” and emphasised the need for a political solution to prevent further destabilisation. The offensive marks a significant escalation in Syria’s ongoing conflict, which has spanned over a decade and claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Analysts are watching closely to see how the new power dynamics will reshape the region, with concerns over potential retaliations or a deeper fragmentation of the country. Syrian President Assad flees country amid rebel advance: reports As of now, the whereabouts of Bashar al-Assad remain unknown. His sudden departure raises questions about the future of his supporters and the possibility of a negotiated settlement. Meanwhile, ordinary Syrians in Damascus and across the country await clarity on what this upheaval will mean for their war-torn nation. The international community has called for calm, urging all parties to prioritise dialogue and reconciliation over further violence. Source: With inputs from wirers  

Syria’s President Bashar Assad has reportedly left the country for an undisclosed destination, according to Rami Abdurrahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. This development follows a dramatic advance by opposition forces into Damascus, where gunfire and explosions have been reported. Early Sunday, opposition groups announced they had entered the Syrian capital for the first time since 2018, marking a significant escalation. Footage shared by opposition-linked media showed a tank in a central square, with celebrations erupting as calls of "God is great" echoed from mosques. The rebels’ rapid progress has seen them capture key areas, including the cities of Aleppo, Homs, and Hama, as well as large parts of southern Syria. The capture of Homs, a critical junction between Damascus and coastal strongholds, is being hailed as a turning point. Government forces appear to have retreated to areas outside Homs, while opposition groups have reportedly taken control of the notorious Saydnaya military prison near Damascus, freeing its inmates. Read: Syrian Insurgents close in on Damascus, Threatening Assad’s rule Despite government denials of Assad’s departure, Damascus residents are preparing for the worst, with shops running out of essentials and thousands fleeing toward Lebanon, where border crossings have been shut. The insurgent offensive, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, has progressed with minimal resistance. Analysts believe Assad’s dwindling support from allies like Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah has significantly weakened his position. In the face of these developments, international calls for a political solution are growing louder. The United Nations envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has urged immediate talks to facilitate a political transition. Diplomats from several nations met in Qatar to discuss potential resolutions, emphasizing the need for humanitarian aid and an end to hostilities. Read more: Syrian insurgents advance toward Hama as govt forces counterattack Meanwhile, HTS and its affiliates continue to consolidate control in the capital and other strategic areas, marking one of the most significant challenges to Assad’s rule since the conflict began in 2011. Source: With inputs from agencies

Insurgent forces have surged forward in Syria, nearing the capital Damascus and seizing key strategic areas, including the central city of Homs, in a campaign that has shaken the rule of President Bashar Assad. Rumors of Assad fleeing the country have been denied by state media. The fall of Homs represents a major setback for Assad's government. The city serves as a critical juncture linking Damascus to the coastal strongholds of Latakia and Tartus, home to Assad's support base and a significant Russian naval facility. Pro-government media reported the army retreating to positions outside the city, but rebel forces claimed full control by Saturday. The capture of Homs follows a swift offensive launched on November 27, during which opposition fighters also took Aleppo and Hama. Analysts believe the city’s fall could mark a turning point in the conflict. The insurgents, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a faction with roots in al-Qaida, have advanced largely unchallenged by government forces. Rebel forces have also reached the suburbs of Damascus for the first time since 2018. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported insurgents advancing in Maadamiyah, Jaramana, and Daraya, with plans to encircle the capital. The campaign comes as the army has withdrawn from southern provinces, leaving only three of Syria's 14 provincial capitals under government control. Civilian Panic and Diplomatic EffortsIn Damascus, residents are stockpiling essentials, while thousands are fleeing toward Lebanon. Many shops in the capital have shut down, and the few remaining open have inflated prices for basic goods. The United Nations has begun relocating non-essential staff from Syria as a precaution. Meanwhile, the U.N. special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has called for urgent talks in Geneva to facilitate a political transition. At the Doha Forum, global diplomats echoed the need for an immediate resolution to avoid further escalation. Read: Syrian insurgents advance toward Hama as govt forces counterattack Assad’s Allies PreoccupiedAssad's usual allies, including Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, have offered minimal assistance. Russia remains embroiled in its conflict in Ukraine, while Hezbollah is strained by a prolonged confrontation with Israel. Iran’s regional influence has been weakened by repeated Israeli airstrikes. The Biden administration reiterated its stance of non-intervention in Syria. Similarly, President-elect Donald Trump has discouraged U.S. military engagement in the region. Insurgency Gains MomentumThe HTS-led offensive has seen rapid gains in northern and southern Syria. On Friday, rebels entered the ancient city of Palmyra, previously reclaimed from ISIS. Activists reported government forces retreating from much of Quneitra and Daraa provinces, with the military regrouping to establish defensive lines around Damascus. HTS, which has distanced itself from its al-Qaida origins, has taken control of large parts of northwest Syria. The group has sought to present a more moderate image, with leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani advocating for pluralism and religious tolerance. Calls for a Political SolutionForeign ministers from countries including Iran, Russia, and Turkey met in Doha to discuss the crisis. While urging an end to hostilities, they emphasized the need for a political resolution to ensure Syria’s stability. Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed criticized Assad for failing to address the country’s grievances during previous ceasefires. Read more: Syrian insurgents seize four towns amid clashes Sheikh Mohammed warned that without swift diplomatic action, Syria’s territorial integrity and remaining infrastructure could face further devastation. The situation remains dire, with the international community scrambling to mediate a peaceful solution as insurgents continue their march toward Damascus. Source: With inputs from agencies

Syrian insurgents, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and backed by Turkey, captured four central towns on Tuesday, pushing closer to the strategic city of Hama. Meanwhile, government forces launched counterattacks, regaining some lost ground, opposition activists and state media reported. The ongoing clashes mark a significant escalation in the 13-year conflict, as insurgents aim to consolidate gains in central Syria, with the ultimate goal of advancing toward Damascus. Insurgent Gains Near Hama The insurgents' latest offensive has brought them within 10 kilometers (6 miles) of Hama, Syria’s fourth-largest city. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed the capture of Halfaya, Taybat al-Imam, Maardis, and Soran. "We are advancing toward Hama and, God willing, to Homs and Damascus, to liberate Syria," said HTS fighter Abu Abdo al-Hamawi. The insurgent coalition, comprising HTS and Turkey-backed opposition fighters, has also taken control of several areas in northern Aleppo and southern Idlib provinces over recent days. HTS claims that their forces have inflicted significant casualties on government troops, killing 50 soldiers and capturing 14 towns and villages. Government Counteroffensive Syrian government forces, supported by Russian airstrikes, have intensified efforts to reclaim lost territory. On Tuesday, state media reported that government troops recaptured Khanaser, a village on a vital road leading to Aleppo, days after it fell to insurgents. State-run news agency SANA said government forces are fortifying positions in Hama province as battles with insurgents rage on. Intense airstrikes by Syrian and Russian warplanes continue to target insurgent-held areas. Read: Syrian insurgents seize four towns amid clashes Humanitarian Concerns The escalation has exacerbated Syria’s humanitarian crisis. The Norwegian Refugee Council warned of food shortages and displacement in northern Syria, where thousands of families have fled the violence. “Civilian casualties are rising due to shelling and airstrikes, and the recent escalation risks plunging Syria back into its darkest days,” said Angelita Caredda, the council’s Middle East director. She urged all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law. Kurdish-Led Forces Claim Gains in the East In eastern Syria, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced the capture of seven villages from pro-government forces. However, Syrian state media denied these claims, asserting that the attack was repelled. The contested villages are near a U.S. military base close to the Iraqi border, adding to the complexity of the conflict. Turkey’s Role and Erdogan’s Statements Turkey, a key supporter of Syrian insurgent groups, emphasized the need for a political resolution to the conflict. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in a call with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, reiterated Ankara’s commitment to Syria’s unity and territorial integrity. Erdogan also warned against Kurdish militant groups exploiting the situation, referring to the U.S.-backed SDF, which Turkey considers a terrorist organization. Read more:  Lebanese officials say an Israeli strike killed 23 Syrian workers and family members in Lebanon Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called on Syrian President Bashar Assad to engage with opposition groups, arguing that reconciliation is essential to stabilize Syria. However, Assad has repeatedly dismissed opposition groups as terrorists and rejected any political dialogue with them. Regional Implications Turkey has been seeking to normalize ties with Syria to address security concerns and facilitate the return of over 3 million Syrian refugees. However, Assad demands the withdrawal of Turkish troops from northern Syria as a precondition for reconciliation. As the conflict intensifies, both sides are bracing for further battles in central Syria. The renewed violence underscores the enduring challenges of achieving peace in a war-torn country. Source: With inputs from agencies

The lines stretch for miles outside gas stations in Syrian cities, with an average wait of five hours to fill up a tank. At bakeries, people push and shove during long, chaotic waits for their turn to collect the quota of two bread packs a day per family.

Iran and Syria signed an agreement on Wednesday to expand their "comprehensive" military and security cooperation.