Rebel forces have successfully taken control of the Syrian capital, Damascus, after a swift two-week campaign that led to the ousting of authoritarian ruler Bashar al Assad. Syrian citizens are celebrating in the streets, calling for freedom, but the focus now shifts towards the insurgents and their plans moving forward. The rebels, led by the jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS), have long been designated as a terrorist organization by the US and Russia. Despite their past ties to al Qaeda, HTS has attempted to portray a more moderate image under the leadership of Abu Muhammed al Jolani. The group has made efforts to engage with Syrian minorities and reassure them of their safety.
The international community is watching closely as the rebels now control Damascus and other key locations in Syria. The rapid progress of the rebels, which has stunned many observers, has been attributed to a combination of factors including the diminishing presence of Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy in the region, and the diversion of Russian forces to Ukraine. The US, with troops in northeast Syria, is also closely monitoring the situation to prevent any resurgence of the Islamic State.
With the conflict in Syria evolving rapidly, the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East is facing significant shifts. The influence of various regional players, including Russia, Iran, and Turkey, will continue to play a crucial role in determining the future of Syria and its people. As Syrians celebrate the downfall of Assad, the focus now turns to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the war-torn nation.
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