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Dec 7, 2024

Syrian rebels close in on Damascus as presidency denies Assad has left capital | BBC News

BBC News - Syrian rebels close in on Damascus as presidency denies Assad has left capital | BBC News

The video discusses the rapid advancements of rebel groups in Syria, particularly towards the capital, Damascus. Rebel forces have reportedly reached the suburbs of Damascus, marking a significant stage in their offensive. The Syrian State News Agency denies reports of President Bashar al-Assad fleeing the city, maintaining that he is still operating from Damascus. However, images verified by AFP show protesters toppling a statue of Assad's father in a neighborhood close to the capital, indicating growing unrest. Rebel groups have made significant territorial gains, capturing the southern province of Dera and advancing in the north. The Syrian army, loyal to Assad, is reportedly losing ground, with around 2,000 troops crossing into Iraq for refuge. The offensive has caught many by surprise, with the city of Homs being a critical point of contention. If rebels capture Homs, Damascus could be isolated from the rest of the country. The situation is compounded by defections within the Syrian military and the lack of support from Assad's traditional allies, Russia and Iran, who are preoccupied with other conflicts. The video also highlights the coordination among various rebel factions, including Kurdish fighters and local insurgencies, who are capitalizing on the Syrian army's weakened state. The absence of significant Russian and Iranian military support has left Assad's regime vulnerable. The economic situation in Damascus is dire, with banks closing and a sense of impending crisis among residents. The future of Assad's regime remains uncertain as the rebels continue to make progress.

Key Points:

  • Rebel forces have reached the suburbs of Damascus, threatening the Assad regime's control over the capital.
  • Significant territorial gains by rebels include the capture of Dera and advances in the north, isolating Damascus.
  • The Syrian army is losing ground, with defections and troops seeking refuge in Iraq, indicating weakening support for Assad.
  • Lack of substantial support from Russia and Iran has left Assad's regime vulnerable to rebel advances.
  • Economic instability in Damascus is exacerbating the crisis, with banks closing and residents in panic.
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