World News: In a dramatic turn of events, Syrian rebel forces have entered Damascus as government defense lines crumbled, signaling a critical blow to President Bashar al-Assads 24-year rule. Intense gunfire echoed through the capital on Sunday, with multiple residents confirming the chaos. This follows the insurgents strategic victories in Homs and Aleppo, intensifying pressure on Assads regime. “Militarily, Damascus has fallen,” a source linked to the rebels.Hayat Tahrir al-Sham Leads the ChargeOpposition advances were spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an al-Qaida-linked group labeled a terrorist organization by the US and UN. Their swift progress exposed the Syrian armys minimal resistance, marking the rebels largest territorial gains in years. With the capital breached, Assads government faces unprecedented turmoil.People of Hama are celebrating the fall of Assad regime.Thousands of people were killed by the Assad regime in Hama in 1982. pic.twitter.com/5VyP8wCsm2— Clash Report (@clashreport) December 8, 2024Crowds Celebrate the Fall of AssadJubilant Syrians gathered in Damascus, chanting and firing guns into the air to celebrate the apparent downfall of Assads government. Rami Abdurrahman of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Assad fled the city early Sunday, boarding a flight from Damascus. His destination remains unknown, with no official statement from the regime. This marks the first time since 2018 that rebels have reached the capital.While two senior army officers confirmed Assads departure, his office denied the claims, asserting he remained in Damascus. The conflicting narratives underscore the chaos enveloping the regime as rebels tighten their grip.Hezbollah Forces Withdraw Amid OffensiveAdding to the upheaval, Hezbollah withdrew its forces from Damascuss outskirts and the Homs region. Fighters were redeployed to Latakia and Lebanons Hermel area, signaling a significant shift in the groups strategy amid the rebel advance.Amid the conflict, foreign ministers from Iran, Russia, and Turkey convened in Qatar, urging an end to hostilities. Qatars Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani warned of Syrias deteriorating territorial integrity and called for immediate political dialogue to prevent further devastation.
