Rebel fighters claimed to have captured the Syrian capital of Damascus, leading to a new chapter in the 13-year civil war. Reports suggest that President Bashar al-Assad has left the capital, although this has not been independently confirmed. The rebels also claimed to have freed prisoners held in Sednaya Prison. The sudden takeover of Damascus by the militant group HTS was seen as a blow to Assad’s allies, including Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah. President Joe Biden was monitoring the situation in Syria. The rebels had previously captured cities like Aleppo and Hama, leaving only Homs and the capital in government hands. HTS grew out of a former Al Qaeda affiliate and is designated as a terrorist organization. Assad’s regime has struggled to defend against the rebels, who have been equipped with advanced weapons. The recent successes of the rebels have led to a resurgence of anti-immigrant sentiment in Europe due to the influx of Syrian refugees. This situation has prompted President-elect Donald Trump to call for the U.S. to stay out of the conflict. The rebels have made significant gains in recent weeks, challenging Assad’s control over the country.
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