Amid reports of rebel forces advancing towards Damascus, the Syrian state news agency maintains that President Bashar Assad is still in the capital and fulfilling his duties. The rebel alliance leading the offensive claims to have reached the suburbs of Damascus, with rebel commander signing the "final phase" of encircling the capital. Despite this, the Syrian defense ministry denies any withdrawal of government forces and US President-elect Donald Trump states that the US should stay out of the ongoing conflict as Russia, a key ally of Assad, seems preoccupied with its war in Ukraine.
Damascus: A City under Siege
Damascus, the capital of Syria, has been under siege for years as the Syrian Civil War rages on. The conflict began in 2011 with anti-government protests that quickly escalated into a full-scale war.
Rebel Advance Towards Damascus
In recent weeks, rebel forces have made significant advances towards Damascus. The rebel alliance leading the offensive claims to have reached the suburbs of the capital, and a rebel commander has signed the "final phase" of encircling Damascus.
Assad's Position
Despite reports of rebel forces advancing, the Syrian state news agency maintains that President Bashar Assad is still in the capital and fulfilling his duties. However, the rebel alliance claims that Assad has fled Damascus and is hiding in Latakia, a stronghold of his government.
Government Response
The Syrian defense ministry has denied any withdrawal of government forces from Damascus. The government has also launched a counter-offensive to push back the rebels.
International Response
The ongoing conflict has sparked international concern. US President-elect Donald Trump has stated that the US should stay out of the conflict, while Russia, a key ally of Assad, seems preoccupied with its war in Ukraine.
Top 5 FAQs
Bashar Assad is the current President of Syria. He has been in power since 2000, succeeding his father, Hafez Assad.
The Syrian Civil War began in 2011 with anti-government protests. The protests were initially sparked by political and economic grievances, but they quickly escalated into a full-scale war.
Numerous countries are involved in the Syrian Civil War, including Russia, Iran, Turkey, and the United States. Russia and Iran are backing the Syrian government, while Turkey and the United States are supporting the rebel forces.
The humanitarian impact of the Syrian Civil War has been devastating. Millions of people have been displaced from their homes, and hundreds of thousands have been killed.
The future outlook for Syria is uncertain. The conflict is ongoing, and it is unclear when or how it will end. The war has had a devastating impact on the country, and it will take years to rebuild.
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