Rebels advance rapidly in Syria as Assad reportedly flees the country

Opposition forces in Syria have rapidly advanced, capturing key cities including Aleppo and Hama, with little resistance from the Syrian army. President Bashar Assad, who has ruled for 24 years, is reported to have fled the country. The insurgents, led by the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, launched a large-scale offensive in late November, reclaiming territory lost in previous years. The Syrian military has struggled to respond effectively, facing setbacks amid ongoing airstrikes. As the rebels encircle Damascus, the Syrian government claims to have redeployed troops. However, reports indicate that Assad's regime is losing control, with top diplomats discussing a potential political transition in Doha.