In a stunning turn of events, the Syrian government has collapsed, leaving the nation in a state of uncertainty. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has reportedly resigned and sought asylum in Russia following a swift and decisive offensive by militant groups.
The militant offensive, spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), began on November 27th from northern Syria. Over the course of just 12 days, HTS forces advanced southward, swiftly capturing key territories and ultimately seizing the capital, Damascus.
The rapid fall of al-Assad's regime marks an unexpected end to the nearly 14-year-long Syrian civil war. This development not only impacts the war-torn nation but also has significant implications for the broader Middle East region.
Sweeping Offensive
While the Syrian government and militant groups have been embroiled in conflict since 2011, large-scale military engagements had diminished significantly by 2020. The recent offensive, however, reignited the conflict with formidable momentum from the outset.
Within days, HTS forces captured the central province of Hama after overcoming key strongholds in the northwestern provinces of Aleppo and Idlib. The decisive moment unfolded in the early hours of Sunday when fighters engaged in a brief but intense battle at dawn, gaining complete control of Homs. This strategic victory cut off vital connections between Damascus and the coastal areas controlled by al-Assad's Alawite community.
The collapse of the Syrian government ushers in a period of uncertainty for Syrians and poses new challenges for regional stability. As the nation navigates this tumultuous transition, the international community watches closely, anticipating the next steps in Syria's complex journey toward peace and reconstruction.
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Syrian government collapses in sudden upheaval with uncertain future
cgtn.com
