Rebel groups reshape Syria's civil war following recent advances

Recent advances by opposition rebel groups have changed the dynamics of Syria's civil war, leading to the fall of President Bashar Assad. This marks a significant shift after years of conflict characterized by a stalemate and foreign intervention. Key players include Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group that led the offensive in Damascus, and the Syrian National Army (SNA), a coalition of various militias with ties to Turkey. Both groups have differing ideologies and goals, complicating the opposition landscape. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), primarily Kurdish, continue to control northeastern regions with U.S. support. Meanwhile, Turkey, Russia, and Iran maintain their influence in Syria, each adjusting their strategies in response to the changing situation following Assad's decline.