After a 10-day sprint across government-held territory, Syrian rebels have toppled 50 years of Assad family rule. Reports state that Assad has fled the country for an undisclosed location, with looting and celebrations breaking out in Damascus. The Prime Minister has called on citizens to protect public institutions as the country transitions to a new government.
Reports suggest that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led by Islamist militants, has taken control of the third largest city in Syria, Homs. This could potentially be a game changer for the long-running civil war, as it is strategically located between Damascus and the coastal provinces. The government denies rumors of President Assad fleeing the country and the rebels have been urged not to harm those who surrender. The weakened economic situation and rising inflation in India have also been highlighted in recent surveys conducted by the Reserve Bank of India.
In a significant development in the Syrian conflict, rebels have captured towns just miles from Damascus, the capital of the country. With the regime's military sending reinforcements to defend the key city of Homs, the insurgents are said to be moving towards Damascus from southern Syria. Assad's allies, including Russia and Iran, have been preoccupied with other conflicts, leaving the Syrian leader increasingly isolated. This development raises concerns about the future of Assad's regime and the ongoing crisis in Syria.
In a bold act of protest, demonstrators in the Jaramana neighborhood of Damascus tore down a statue of former Syrian president Hafez al-Assad, father of current president Bashar al-Assad. The incident highlights the ongoing unrest and anti-government sentiment in Syria, as well as the continued impact of the Assad family's rule. Tensions are high as the Syrian rebels continue to make advances towards key cities in their fight against the government.
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.
Amidst heightened tensions between Iran and Israel following an air strike on Iran's consulate building in Damascus, Jordan has announced the closure of its airspace. The civil aviation authority in Jordan stated that the measure would be reviewed regularly "in light of developments". Additionally, Lebanon has also closed its airspace. Meanwhile, the White House has announced that President Joe Biden would be returning to the White House for urgent consultations on the Middle East.
As tensions escalate between Iran and Israel following an airstrike on an Iranian consulate in Syria, fears grow over a possible Iranian attack. Many countries have issued warnings advising citizens not to travel to the region, as Iranian leaders continue to criticize Israel for its military operations in Gaza. In the midst of this heightened tension, footage of a Hamas-led attack in Gaza that resulted in the deaths of civilians, including babies, has been released by Israel. While Iran has praised the attack as a victory against the "anti-Zionist resistance," human rights groups are calling for an investigation into potential war crimes. This latest incident is just the most recent in a series of attacks targeting Iranian targets.
As tensions rise in West Asia following the attack on an Iranian consulate in Damascus, India has asked its citizens not to travel to Iran and Israel. The country has also restricted further travel of Indians to Israel, citing safety concerns. Indian residents in Iran and Israel are urged to register with their respective Indian embassies and exercise maximum precautions for their safety.
Amidst heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, the Israeli armed forces have suspended leave for combat units and mobilized more troops in preparation for potential retaliation from Tehran. This comes after Iran's sworn revenge over the killing of two generals and five military advisers in an air strike targeting an Iranian diplomatic compound in Damascus. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that his country will defend itself against any harm posed by Iran or its proxies, with U.S. President Joe Biden expressing support for Israel in the face of this threat.
Amid worsening regional tensions, Israeli air strikes have destroyed the Iranian embassy's consular annex in Damascus, killing at least 7 members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The attack has sparked fears of further violence between Israel and Iran's allies, already strained by the ongoing Gaza war. While Israel has remained silent on the reported attack, Iranian officials have promised a strong response and British-based sources have confirmed the death toll. Rescue efforts are ongoing at the site, with at least 11 fatalities and multiple injuries reported.