Rebels capture key city of Homs, set sights on Damascus

Syrian rebels have gained full control over the key city of Homs after a day of fighting, leaving President Bashar al-Assad’s rule in jeopardy. The fall of Homs has given the insurgents control over strategic territory and a key highway, cutting off access between Damascus and the coastal region. The rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani, have also freed thousands of detainees and are now focusing on liberating the countryside around Damascus and the capital itself. The rapid advances by the rebels have raised concerns of regional instability and have sparked fears of the collapse of the Assad regime. Foreign officials believe Assad could be ousted within the coming week, while the international community is calling for a political solution to the crisis. The rebel group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has reassured minorities and the international community that they do not intend to impose Islamist rule. Meanwhile, Assad has long relied on allies like Russia and Iran to support his regime, but their ability to do so has been limited by other conflicts and losses. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has stated that the U.S. should not interfere in the conflict. The situation in Syria is rapidly changing, with the rebels making significant gains and posing a direct threat to the Assad regime’s decades-long rule.

Photo credit
www.usatoday.com