Homs falls to Syrian rebels as they continue their advance towards Damascus

[ad_1]
Syrian rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have claimed to capture a fifth city and are closing in on Damascus in a rapid offensive. The claim of capturing Homs, the largest province in Syria, has not been independently verified. If true, controlling the Syrian-Lebanese border would weaken President Bashar Al-Assad’s regime. Thousands have fled Homs amid rebel advances. The rebels also control parts of Jaramana and Deraa. The Syrian army accuses rebels of spreading videos to intimidate citizens and claims to have established a defensive perimeter in Daraa. The fall of Homs would leave major cities in rebel hands, threatening Assad’s hold on power. Experts believe if rebels take Homs, it could be the end game for Assad. Russian and Iranian influence has been weakened by regional tensions. Fighting between government troops and rebel groups has strained Assad’s forces. Kurdish forces seized government positions near Raqqa and Deir Ez-Zour. Jordan closed its border due to security concerns. Syrian government forces have withdrawn from the Golan Heights for the first time since Israel captured it in 1967. More than 820 people have been killed in the offensive, according to reports. The outcome of the conflict remains uncertain as fighting continues across the country.

Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com