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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

Jewish settlers launched multiple attacks on Palestinian towns in the occupied West Bank overnight, setting homes ablaze and engaging in clashes with Israeli troops, report Associated Press (AP) The Israeli military reported that settlers targeted the village of Beit Furik after soldiers arrived to dismantle an unauthorised farming outpost constructed by the settlers. Stones were thrown at the troops, injuring two paramilitary Border Police officers, while some settlers entered the village and set property on fire. No Palestinian casualties were immediately reported. Hamas and Fatah are near an agreement on who will oversee postwar Gaza Since the onset of the war, the West Bank has experienced a significant rise in settler violence. Meanwhile, in Lebanon, a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah remains in place, despite Israeli forces conducting several drone and artillery strikes on Tuesday that resulted in the death of a shepherd in southern Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to continue responding to Hezbollah's ceasefire violations "with an iron fist." Hezbollah began its rocket, drone, and missile attacks on Israel last year in support of Hamas militants engaged in conflict in the Gaza Strip. The Gaza war erupted after Hamas-led militants infiltrated southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing approximately 1,200 individuals, mainly civilians, and taking around 250 hostages. UN halts aid shipments through Gaza's main crossing after looting Israel's retaliatory military campaign in Gaza has claimed the lives of at least 44,500 Palestinians, over half of whom were women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The Ministry has not specified how many casualties were combatants, while Israel claims over 17,000 militants have been killed, although evidence has not been provided. The extensive military operations in Gaza have devastated large portions of the coastal territory, displacing 90% of its 2.3 million residents, with many forced to relocate multiple times.

Palestinian officials report that Fatah and Hamas are nearing an agreement to establish a committee of politically neutral technocrats to manage Gaza following the ongoing war. This arrangement would effectively end Hamas' rule in Gaza and potentially aid ceasefire discussions with Israel. The two factions have a history of unsuccessful reconciliation attempts since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007. Israel has dismissed any role for either Hamas or Fatah in Gaza's postwar administration, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasizing ongoing Israeli security control over the region and the return of hostages as priorities. Syrian insurgents advance toward Hama as govt forces counterattack A Palestinian Authority official confirmed that preliminary consensus on the committee's formation was reached after weeks of negotiations in Cairo. The proposed body, comprising 12-15 members primarily from Gaza, would report to the Palestinian Authority and coordinate humanitarian and reconstruction efforts with local and international actors. Hamas and Fatah have agreed on broad terms but are still negotiating details, including committee member selection. An announcement is expected after a meeting of all Palestinian factions in Cairo, though no timeline has been provided. Both Palestinian and Israeli officials have avoided public comment on the matter. The U.S. supports reviving the Palestinian Authority's governance over both Gaza and the West Bank as a step toward statehood, though Israel opposes such an outcome. Meanwhile, some Fatah leaders criticize the proposal, with Jibril Rajoub warning it could deepen divisions between Gaza and the West Bank. Syria sends in reinforcements to halt insurgents from advancing after seizing Aleppo The committee's work would begin after a ceasefire agreement, which has faced repeated delays despite mediation efforts by American and Arab diplomats. The conflict escalated after Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which left over 1,200 people dead and led to the abduction of 250 hostages. Israel’s military response has devastated Gaza, resulting in over 44,000 Palestinian deaths, largely women and children, according to local health authorities.

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

Syrian insurgents have captured four towns in a significant push toward the central city of Hama, opposition activists reported Tuesday. Meanwhile, government forces reclaimed the village of Khanaser, highlighting the fluid and violent nature of Syria's ongoing conflict.  The insurgents, led by the Salafi-jihadi Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and Turkey-backed fighters, now stand about 10 kilometers from Hama, Syria's fourth-largest city. The offensive has also seen gains in Aleppo and parts of Idlib province in recent days.  The military operations administration of the insurgents reported killing 50 government soldiers during the capture of Halfaya, Taybat al-Imam, Maardis, and Soran. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed these gains, while pro-government media reported intense clashes and artillery bombardments in the area. Syrian and Russian air forces have launched heavy airstrikes in response.  Fighting resumes in eastern Congo despite ceasefire In a counteroffensive, government forces retook Khanaser, a strategic village on a key road to Aleppo, after losing it last week.  To the east, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) claimed to have seized seven villages from pro-government forces, a claim denied by Syrian state media, which said the attack was repelled.  Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan commented on the rapid insurgent advances, urging Syrian President Bashar Assad to reconcile with opposition groups. However, Assad has consistently labeled all opposition forces as terrorists and rejected political dialogue.  Turkey, a key supporter of anti-Assad groups, has been working to normalize relations with Syria to address security threats from Kurdish militants and facilitate the return of over 3 million Syrian refugees. Assad demands Turkey withdraw its forces from northern Syria as a precondition for normalization.    Source: With inputs from wires

Syrian government forces launched counterattacks Sunday against insurgents who captured much of Aleppo, with Iranian support pledged to bolster the Assad regime amid escalating violence. The conflict marks one of the most significant setbacks for President Bashar Assad in years, further complicating an already volatile Middle East landscape. Jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), leading the insurgent coalition, launched a surprise offensive last week, seizing Aleppo and advancing through Idlib and parts of Hama. Airstrikes on rebel positions in Aleppo and Idlib have killed at least 25 people, including women and children, according to the White Helmets. The insurgents’ rapid gains embarrassed Assad’s government, as allies like Iran and Russia grapple with their own challenges. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi assured Assad of Tehran's support during a meeting in Damascus, though specifics remain unclear. The intensifying conflict threatens to drag regional players like Russia, Turkey, and the U.S. into broader engagement. Western governments have called for de-escalation and humanitarian protections, emphasizing the urgent need for a political resolution to Syria's civil war. Read: Israel says it struck Hezbollah weapons smuggling sites in Syria, testing a fragile ceasefire Meanwhile, fears of further displacement and humanitarian crises loom as the violence escalates. U.N. envoy Geir Pedersen warned of risks to regional stability, urging renewed diplomatic efforts to address Syria’s decade-long conflict. Source: With inputs from agencies

The Syrian military rushed in reinforcements Sunday to push back insurgents from advancing farther into the northern Hama countryside after they seized Aleppo and surrounding strategic locations in an adjacent province in a surprise offensive. The insurgents led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham took over most of Aleppo on Saturday and claimed to have entered the city of Hama. There was no independent confirmation of their claim. Rebel commander Col. Hassan Abdulghani said separately the insurgents also took control of Sheikh Najjar, also known as the Aleppo Industrial City, northeast of the city, Aleppo’s military academy and the field artillery college to the southwest. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi travels to Syrian capital Damascus later Sunday. He told reporters that Tehran will back the Syrian government and army. The swift and surprise offensive is a huge embarrassment for Syria’s President Bashar Assad and raises questions about his armed forces’ preparedness. It also comes at a time when Assad’s allies — Iran and groups it backs and Russia — are preoccupied with their own conflicts. What to know about sudden rebel gains in Syria's long war Syrian state television claimed government forces had killed nearly 1,000 insurgents over the past three days, without providing evidence or details. Government airstrikes overnight on Idlib city, the rebel-held bastion near Hama province and 65 kilometers (40 miles) southeast of Aleppo, killed four civilians and wounded 54 others, according to the Syrian Civil Defense, also known as the White Helmets, that operates in opposition-held areas. According to Syrian state news agency SANA and a war monitor, the army overnight pushed back insurgents in the northern countryside of Hama province. Britain-based opposition war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that government reinforcements created a “strong defensive line” in the northern Hama countryside. The observatory and Syrian state-run news network Al-Ikhbariyah also reported Russian airstrikes, both in Idlib and some of the areas now under rebel control. In his first public comments since the start of the offensive, released by the state news agency Saturday evening, Assad said Syria will continue to “defend its stability and territorial integrity against terrorists and their supporters.” He added that Syria is able to defeat them no matter how much their attacks intensify. Israel says it struck Hezbollah weapons smuggling sites in Syria, testing a fragile ceasefire The 2016 battle for Aleppo was a turning point in the war between Syrian government forces and rebel fighters after 2011 protests against Assad’s rule turned into an all-out war. After appearing to be losing control of the country to the rebels, the Aleppo battle secured Assad’s hold on strategic areas of Syria, with opposition factions and their foreign backers controlling areas on the periphery.

An Israeli airstrike on Saturday struck a car in Gaza, killing five individuals, including employees of World Central Kitchen (WCK). The charity expressed heartbreak and uncertainty, stating it had no prior knowledge of any connection between the workers and the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that triggered the war. Israel's military claimed one of the victims, identified as Ahed Azmi Qdeih, was involved in the assault on Nir Oz kibbutz and had ties to Hamas. Qdeih’s family denied the allegations, asserting that he had worked for WCK. The strike is the latest in a series of attacks on aid workers in Gaza. WCK had previously suspended operations following an Israeli airstrike in April that killed seven of its staff. The organization also paused its work earlier this year after another strike killed a Palestinian worker. This incident occurred as another Israeli airstrike hit a car near a food distribution site in Khan Younis, killing 13 people, including children. Save the Children reported that a local employee was also killed in the same region, while other airstrikes in Gaza and southern Lebanon continued to escalate the humanitarian crisis. Read: Israel says it struck Hezbollah weapons smuggling sites in Syria, testing a fragile ceasefire Additionally, Hamas released a new hostage video on Saturday, showing Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander pleading under duress. The video highlights the ongoing suffering of hostages in Gaza and the international pressures on Israel and Hamas. Meanwhile, the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon appears to be holding, although sporadic violence continues in both Gaza and Lebanon, underscoring the broader instability in the region. Source: With inputs from agencies