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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Iran's Foreign Ministry criticizes Macron's "baseless" remarks ahead of nuclear talks, rejecting claims about its nuclear program as "deceitful" and insisting on peaceful intentions.
Snowfall and fog cause flight delays at Almaty Airport, affecting departures and arrivals on January 8. Weather warnings issued nationwide.
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A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Tibet's Himalayan foothills, killing at least 100 and shaking Nepal, Bhutan, and India. Tremors reached as far as Kathmandu and Thimphu.
The European Union is considering lifting certain sanctions in Syria to improve humanitarian aid delivery and support recovery efforts, following the U.S.'s recent sanctions exemptions to ease assistance after Bashar al-Assad's rule.
Ahead of President Nicolás Maduro's expected inauguration later this week, two U.S. citizens were among a group of seven individuals arrested in Venezuela on January 7. Maduro has branded the detainees as "mercenaries," adding to the tension surrounding his third-term.
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Oil prices rose on Wednesday, driven by tighter supply from OPEC members and Russia, alongside stronger-than-expected U.S. job data indicating economic growth and higher oil demand.
A light aircraft crash near Rottnest Island, off Perth's coast, has claimed the lives of the pilot and two tourists from Switzerland and Denmark, with three others injured. Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident.
The European Union is considering lifting certain sanctions in Syria to improve humanitarian aid delivery and support recovery efforts, following the U.S.'s recent sanctions exemptions to ease assistance after Bashar al-Assad's rule.
Iran's Foreign Ministry criticizes Macron's "baseless" remarks ahead of nuclear talks, rejecting claims about its nuclear program as "deceitful" and insisting on peaceful intentions.
Snowfall and fog cause flight delays at Almaty Airport, affecting departures and arrivals on January 8. Weather warnings issued nationwide.
Ahead of President Nicolás Maduro's expected inauguration later this week, two U.S. citizens were among a group of seven individuals arrested in Venezuela on January 7. Maduro has branded the detainees as "mercenaries," adding to the tension surrounding his third-term.
Samsung Electronics, the global leader in memory chips, smartphones, and televisions, has released its fourth-quarter operating profit estimate, revealing a significant shortfall compared to analyst expectations. The South Korean tech giant reported an estimated operating profit of 6.5 trillion won.
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