Syrian rebels oust Assad from Damascus as factions unite in Idlib

Dec 8 (Reuters) - Syrian rebels have ousted President Bashar al-Assad from Damascus, with the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leading the charge. HTS, previously known as the Nusra Front, has evolved from its al Qaeda roots and now controls the Idlib region. Other factions, like the Free Syrian Army and the Islamic Front, have also played significant roles throughout the conflict. Recently, these groups united under a military command in Idlib, while the Syrian National Army, backed by Turkey, has engaged in battles against government and Kurdish forces. In northeastern Syria, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) maintain control over key areas, including Raqqa. The SDF has been in conflict with the Turkey-backed Syrian National Army around Manbij, highlighting the ongoing complexities of the Syrian conflict.