Rebel groups in Syria have captured the city of Homs, marking their third major victory in a week as they push toward Damascus in a bid to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad.
Rebel armed groups in Syria have taken control of the strategic city of Homs, marking their third major territorial gain in just over a week. The offensive, led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, follows the capture of Hama last Thursday and Aleppo earlier in the week.
The rebels, now advancing toward Damascus, have declared their intent to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad. Militant leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, in a statement to CNN, emphasized their goal of toppling the regime, with Homs serving as a critical milestone in their campaign.
In southern Syria, the city of Daraa has also fallen to rebel forces. According to sources, a deal was struck allowing the Syrian military to withdraw to the capital in exchange for safe passage.
International Reactions
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, after meeting with Syrian officials, condemned the rebels, describing their actions as a regional threat. He reiterated Iran’s support for Assad, warning of a resurgence of terrorism across neighboring countries if the situation worsens.
Meanwhile, the United States has urged de-escalation. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called for adherence to UNSCR 2254, emphasizing a political solution to end the civil war.
Human Toll
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports over 800 fatalities since the offensive began. As the conflict intensifies, international concerns about the humanitarian crisis and regional stability continue to grow.
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A senior Russian official is expected to arrive in Washington this week for direct talks with the Trump administration, a source familiar with the plan confirmed.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), a cornerstone of American humanitarian outreach for over six decades, is being dismantled under the directive of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.
Ukraine is set to hold in-depth talks with a select group of foreign allies this Friday to discuss the formation of a military contingent that could serve as a security guarantee under a future ceasefire agreement.
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The speaker of the lower house of Ireland's parliament defeated a no confidence motion laid down by the main opposition parties as expected on Tuesday after maintaining the support of the coalition government.
A senior Russian official is expected to arrive in Washington this week for direct talks with the Trump administration, a source familiar with the plan confirmed.
From Wednesday, European visitors to Britain will need to purchase an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arriving, as the UK implements new pre-entry screening measures to tighten border controls.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the deployment of additional warplanes to reinforce American naval assets in the Middle East, the Pentagon confirmed on Tuesday. The move follows a renewed bombing campaign in Yemen and rising friction with Iran.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), a cornerstone of American humanitarian outreach for over six decades, is being dismantled under the directive of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.
Ukraine is set to hold in-depth talks with a select group of foreign allies this Friday to discuss the formation of a military contingent that could serve as a security guarantee under a future ceasefire agreement.
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