Syrian rebels are making significant advances towards the capital city of Damascus, seizing control of much of the country's south. The rebels, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, have met little resistance from the Syrian army, prompting a rapid march towards Damascus.
As the rebels close in on Damascus, thousands of civilians are rushing to stock up on supplies and people are fleeing to the border with Lebanon. The situation in Syria is rapidly evolving, with the UN envoy to Syria calling for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an "orderly political transition".
Syrian state media has denied rumors that President Bashar al-Assad has fled the country, stating that he is still performing his duties in Damascus. However, the rebels' advances have put pressure on Assad's regime, with opposition forces reaching the outskirts of Damascus for the first time since 2018.
The rebels' offensive, which began on November 27, has seen them capture key cities such as Aleppo and Hama. As the rebels approach the central city of Homs, Syrian government forces are sending reinforcements to defend the city.
In the midst of the conflict, diplomacy is underway in Qatar, where officials from Iran, Russia, and Turkey are meeting to discuss the situation in Syria. Qatar's foreign minister has criticized Assad for failing to address the country's underlying problems and warned of a threat to Syria's territorial integrity.
The capture of key border crossings by rebel forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces has further isolated the Syrian government, limiting its access to the outside world. The situation in Syria remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation as rebels continue their advance towards Damascus.