Opposition forces advance towards Damascus as Syria's civil war escalates

Syria's civil war has intensified as opposition forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA), have advanced towards Damascus. This marks the rebels' closest approach to the capital since 2018, capturing key cities like Aleppo and Hama. The offensive, which began on November 27, 2024, has disrupted the long-standing stalemate in the conflict. HTS, once an al-Qaida affiliate, aims to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad's government, while the SNA seeks to establish a buffer zone against Kurdish militias. Assad's government now controls only three provincial capitals, facing increasing isolation as key allies like Russia and Iran are preoccupied with their own challenges. The UN has called for urgent talks to facilitate a political transition amid the escalating violence.