In a major escalation of the ongoing war in Syria, rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have seized control over the city of Daraa, near Jordan. This makes Daraa the fourth key Syrian territory to fall to the militants in the past week, destabilizing the political landscape of the country and prompting concern from neighboring countries like Iran. The insurgent offensive has also been hindered by regional conflicts involving Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah. If the rebels continue to make gains, they could potentially cut off Damascus from the coast, a stronghold of President Bashar al-Assad's regime. As a result, thousands of civilians have already fled towards the coast to escape the violence.
Escalation in Syria: Rebels Seize Daraa, Prompting Regional Concerns
Background:
The Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, has been marked by intense fighting between various factions, including government forces, rebel groups, and extremist organizations. In recent years, the conflict has largely been stalemated, with neither side able to achieve a decisive victory.
Recent Developments:
In a major escalation, rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a coalition of jihadist groups, have seized control over the city of Daraa, near the Jordanian border. Daraa is the birthplace of the Syrian uprising, and its capture by rebel forces has sent shockwaves through the region.
Significance of Daraa:
The capture of Daraa is a symbolic and strategic victory for the rebels. It is the fourth key Syrian territory to fall to the militants in the past week, following the capture of As-Suwayda, Quneitra, and Idlib. The seizure of Daraa brings the rebels closer to Damascus, the capital and stronghold of President Bashar al-Assad's regime.
Regional Concerns:
The rebel advance has raised concerns among neighboring countries, particularly Iran, which supports the Assad regime. Iran's regional rival, Israel, has also expressed concern over the possibility of Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shiite group allied with Iran, gaining a foothold in southern Syria.
Obstacles for Rebels:
Despite their recent gains, the rebels face challenges in sustaining their offensive. They have encountered resistance from government forces and loyalist militias, as well as regional conflicts involving Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah. Additionally, civilian casualties and displacement have raised humanitarian concerns.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. Who is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)? HTS is a coalition of jihadist groups that emerged in 2017 from Jabhat al-Nusra, the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda. It is considered a terrorist organization by many countries, including the United States.
2. Why is Daraa significant? Daraa was the birthplace of the Syrian uprising in 2011. It is a strategically important city located near the Jordanian border and the Damascus-Amman highway.
3. What are the implications of the rebel gains? If the rebels continue to make progress, they could potentially cut off Damascus from the coast, which is a stronghold of President Assad's regime. This could weaken the regime's position and raise the possibility of a political settlement.
4. What is the role of Iran in the conflict? Iran is a key supporter of the Assad regime. It has provided military and financial support, as well as advisors and militias. Iran's involvement has raised concerns about the spread of Iranian influence in the region.
5. What are the humanitarian consequences of the conflict? The Syrian Civil War has caused a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people displaced and hundreds of thousands killed. The recent rebel offensive in Daraa has displaced thousands of civilians, who are fleeing towards the coast to escape the violence.
Iran's foreign minister has announced that a prisoner swap deal with France is close to being finalized. The agreement would secure the release of Iranian nationals imprisoned in France and allow for the return of French citizens detained in Iran. This development comes as Germany announces its support for a French-led effort to establish a two-state solution in the Middle East.
Qatar's prime minister has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of destroying months of mediation efforts to secure a ceasefire deal and free remaining hostages in Gaza. With the lives of 20 hostages at risk, Qatar had been working with the US and Egypt to broker a deal, but Tuesday's attack on Hamas' leadership in Doha has killed any hope for a resolution. Despite Trump's promises that such an attack will not be repeated, Netanyahu continues to threaten Qatar, accusing them of harboring terrorists and vowing to take action if they don't comply.
In a shocking development, Israel has launched an attack on Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital, Doha, resulting in the deaths of six people. The Qatari government has condemned the attack as "state terrorism" and has raised questions about Israel's true intentions in the region. The attack ruptures the delicate ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, where Qatar has been acting as a mediator. This latest incident highlights the increasing involvement of Qatar in the volatile conflicts in the Middle East.
Israel's strikes on Yemen's capital come amidst warnings from their defence minister and public disapproval from Donald Trump following their attack on Doha. As the Middle East watches the tense situation unfold, Qatar struggles to recover from the unprecedented assault on their sovereign territory. A senior Qatari government member expresses anger and concern over the US's delayed warning of the attack, further complicating the already tense relations in the region.
Amid ongoing protests and the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Nepal has appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the country's interim head. The death toll in the protests has risen to 25, with hundreds more injured. As the Nepali Army takes over security responsibilities, flights have resumed at the international airport and authorities are cautioning against the spread of misinformation on social media.
After two days of violent protests, Nepal Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel successfully persuaded former Chief Justice Sushila Karki to become the interim Chief Executive of the country. This comes after the Gen Z protests and other groups reached a consensus with political parties to restore normalcy and form an interim government. The Nepal Army, for the first time, has stepped in to quell the chaos and bring diverse political forces together for dialogue.
Days of deadly protests in Nepal have led to the overthrow of KP Sharma Oli's government and the appointment of Sushila Karki as interim prime minister. Karki, the former chief justice, has expressed positivity towards India and its people, citing personal ties from her time studying in India. She assures the safety of Indians in Nepal and promises justice for those affected by the recent violence. Meanwhile, Nepalese troops are working to restore order and bring the country back to normalcy.
In a fiery speech at the 60th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, Indian diplomat Kshitij Tyagi slammed Switzerland for its "shallow and ill-informed remarks" on India's state of press and minorities. Tyagi called on Switzerland, as the current chair of the UNHRC, to focus on tackling its own challenges such as racism and xenophobia instead of pointing fingers at India. He also delivered a sharp rebuttal to Pakistan, labelling it as a "failed state" addicted to propaganda and terror. India, Tyagi underscored, will continue to protect its citizens and defend its sovereignty with unwavering resolve.
Protests against corruption in Kathmandu, Nepal took a destructive turn as the iconic Hilton Hotel was set on fire, leaving behind a charred skeleton of its once grand glass facade. The protests also included attacks on government buildings and political leaders' residences, causing chaos throughout the city. The destruction of the Hilton Hotel is significant as it represents Nepal's aspirations for growth in the hospitality industry, with social media users expressing fear for the country's future.
Indian fruit traders have united to boycott Turkish goods, particularly apples, as a show of solidarity with their armed forces. The move comes after Turkey's open support for Pakistan in the ongoing regional tensions between India and its neighbor. The Swadeshi Jagran Manch, a prominent nationalist organization, has also joined the call for broader economic sanctions against Turkey, citing the country's military partnership with Pakistan as a threat to India's sovereignty. The organization also reminded Turkey of India's assistance during a devastating earthquake in 2023, calling for citizens to prioritize self-reliance and boycott Turkish products and cultural exports.