Rebels capture Damascus as Assad allegedly escapes the city

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Rebel fighters claimed to have captured the Syrian capital of Damascus, leading to the government forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad being routed in a matter of days. The rebels’ claim marked a significant development in the 13-year-long civil war that has devastated the country. The exact whereabouts of Assad were unknown, with reports suggesting he may have left Damascus. The rebel group HTS also announced the release of prisoners from Sednaya Prison. The sudden takeover of the capital was seen as a setback for Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, who have supported Assad. President Joe Biden was monitoring the situation in Syria and in contact with regional partners. The rebels had also captured the cities of Homs, Daraa, Aleppo, and Hama in a rapid advance. The Mideast was experiencing increased conflict, with Israel battling Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Pro-Assad forces were also facing opposition from Kurdish forces in eastern Syria. HTS, an Al Qaeda affiliate turned rebel group, is one of several factions fighting against Assad. A ceasefire in 2020 had left Assad in control of 70% of Syria, but millions of Syrians have fled the country as refugees. The recent successes of HTS were attributed to years of effort in building up the rebel forces and equipping them with advanced weaponry.

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