Following the rebel capture of Damascus and Bashar al-Assad’s subsequent flight, the regime’s notorious prisons, holding an estimated 100,000 prisoners, were opened, releasing thousands of individuals who had disappeared during the civil war. Heartbreaking reunions occurred between families and long-lost loved ones, some of whom had been imprisoned for decades. However, the discovery of many freed prisoners is bittersweet, highlighting the Assad regime’s extensive human rights abuses and the lingering uncertainty for those still missing. The release of prisoners offers a glimpse into the scale of the regime’s crimes, with stories of torture and abuse emerging from those who survived.
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Rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), claim to have swiftly captured Damascus, marking a potential turning point in Syria’s 13-year civil war. This claim, which remains unverified, follows the rebels’ rapid seizure of several major Syrian cities, including Homs, Daraa, and Aleppo, over the past few days. The Syrian Prime Minister stated his intention to remain, yet reports suggest President Assad has fled the capital. International reaction is varied, with the U.S. monitoring the situation and Israel deploying troops to its border.
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Unconfirmed reports indicate Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s plane was shot down following a rebel offensive that captured major cities, including Aleppo and Homs, and led to the reported fall of Damascus. The president’s disappearance from radar and subsequent altitude drop fuel these claims. Russia, a key Assad ally, is calling for dialogue between the warring factions, excluding the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which is leading the rebel charge. Rebels have declared Damascus liberated, while the situation remains highly volatile and unconfirmed.
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Rebel forces have made significant gains in southern Syria, encircling Damascus after capturing key towns like Sanamayn and Quneitra. Government forces have withdrawn from numerous areas in Daraa and Sweida provinces, with opposition forces now controlling over 90% of Daraa. This advance marks the rebels’ first presence on Damascus’ outskirts since 2018, prompting both denial from the Syrian defense ministry and reports of Syrian troops seeking refuge in Iraq. Simultaneously, rebel groups launched offensives in the north and east, capturing cities like Aleppo, Hama, and Palmyra, creating a complex and rapidly evolving situation.
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Hayat Tahrir al-Sham-led rebel forces, having recently captured Aleppo and Hama, are within 20 kilometers of Damascus, according to rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani. This advance follows significant rebel gains against the Assad regime, backed by Iran and Russia. The rebels, under the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham alliance, have also reportedly secured control of Daraa province. These rapid advances represent a major shift in the Syrian conflict.
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Despite rebel forces reaching Damascus’ outskirts for the first time since 2018, the Syrian government vehemently denies President Assad’s departure from the capital, attributing such reports to misinformation campaigns. While the rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have seized multiple key cities including Aleppo and Hama, and advanced on Damascus, Assad’s wife and other family members reportedly fled the country. The rapid rebel advance, coupled with the reported lack of significant Russian intervention, presents the most serious threat to Assad’s rule in years.
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Conflicting reports surround Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s location, with some sources claiming he remains in Moscow alongside family and allies, while others suggest he returned to Damascus on November 30th via a Russian Air Force plane. Adding to the uncertainty, rumors of a military coup attempt in Damascus are circulating, with potential clashes between the Republican Guard and Maher al-Assad’s forces. These developments coincide with significant advances by opposition groups in northern Syria, creating a highly volatile situation.
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The recent Israeli airstrike in Damascus that resulted in the killing of a top Iranian general has stirred up a mix of emotions and speculations. The targeted Iranian commander, Zahedi, was a key figure responsible for orchestrating terrorist attacks against Israeli territories through various proxies in Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. His elimination seems to have sent a direct message to Iran about its continued provocative actions. This strike was not an isolated incident but rather a culmination of escalating tensions that have been brewing for a while.
The attack, strategically carried out on a building adjacent to the Iranian embassy in Damascus, housed the military headquarters of the Revolutionary Guards.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker