Bashar al-Assad's regime collapses as rebels seize key Syrian cities
Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria collapsed after a rapid offensive by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which captured key areas including Aleppo and Homs. Assad fled to Moscow as his military faced significant losses and dwindling support from allies. The rebels launched a large-scale attack on November 27, taking control of over 15 villages in Aleppo province. By December 5, they had seized Hama, and on December 7, they captured Homs, encircling Damascus. On December 8, state media reported Assad's overthrow, with celebrations erupting across Syria. Statues of Assad and his father were toppled, and Assad was confirmed to have sought asylum in Russia.