President Bashar al-Assad is facing a serious threat to his political survival as rebel forces push towards the capital city of Damascus. The rebels’ offensive that began on November 27 has now reached the outskirts of Homs, only 100 miles from Damascus. The rebel group leading the offensive has stated that they are preparing to surround the capital. This marks the most serious challenge to al-Assad’s rule in years.
Iran, one of al-Assad’s key allies, has significantly reduced its military support, further complicating the situation for the Syrian government. Iran’s military support has been crucial to al-Assad’s survival during the 13-year civil war. With this support dwindling, it is unclear how long al-Assad can hold on to the shrinking territory under his control.
The rebel Commander, Lt. Col. Hassan Abdulghani, has announced that their forces have begun the final phase of encircling Damascus, but it is unclear if any operation near the capital is currently underway. The Syrian government’s response to the rebel offensive will determine al-Assad’s fate in the coming days.
As the rebel forces close in on the capital, al-Assad’s grip on power is increasingly tenuous. The situation is rapidly evolving, and the outcome remains uncertain. The Syrian government’s ability to respond to the challenges posed by the rebels will be crucial in determining al-Assad’s political future.
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