Rebels Capture Damascus, Shaking Syrian War

Rebel groups, led by HTS, suddenly took control of the Syrian capital, Damascus, this past weekend. This shift could change the dynamics of the long-standing civil war. The rebels announced their victory on social media, claiming to have freed the city from President Bashar al-Assad’s rule. However, Assad’s current whereabouts are unknown, with reports suggesting he might have left the capital. In a matter of days, the rebels pushed out government forces, signaling a major blow to Assad’s allies, including Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah. The rebels also reportedly freed prisoners from Sednaya Prison, releasing thousands held by the regime. The U. S. has been closely monitoring these developments, with around 900 troops stationed in northern Syria. This dramatic turn of events follows the rebels’ rapid advance across the country, capturing several major cities like Aleppo, Hama, and Daraa. The sudden success of the HTS, an offshoot of a former Al Qaeda affiliate, comes after years of trying to build a force capable of challenging Assad’s regime. The war, now in its 14th year, has displaced millions of Syrians, with many fleeing to Europe.