Rebels affiliated with Islamist factions have proclaimed the termination of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, asserting that they have overthrown him as they advanced into Damascus, forcing him to flee.
The rebels’ swift progress in recent days has rekindled a protracted conflict that began in 2011 when Assad suppressed anti-government demonstrations, which had largely settled down over the years.
Here’s a summary of their rapid offensive:
27 November
The assault is initiated by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which dominates much of northwest Idlib and portions of adjacent Aleppo, Hama, and Latakia provinces, along with its allied factions.
28 November
The HTS offensive unfolds during a critical period for Syria and the surrounding region, coinciding with a delicate ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel in neighboring Lebanon.
Rebels also sever the highway connecting Aleppo to the capital, Damascus.
29 November and 30 November
Militants bombard government-held Aleppo and mount a rapid assault on the northern city against the forces of the Iranian- and Russian-backed Syrian government.
In retaliation, Russian warplanes launch airstrikes on Aleppo city “for the first time since 2016,” according to the Observatory.
The rebels capture control of the majority of Aleppo within a single day and dominate over 80 towns and villages in the north.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov engages in discussions with his Iranian and Turkish counterparts, expressing apprehensions about the “dangerous” escalation of hostilities.
Anti-regime fighters pose for a photograph with an army helicopter on the tarmac at Nayrab military airport in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo
1 December
The head of the war monitor states that “Aleppo city is no longer under the control of Syrian regime forces” for the first time in over a decade.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi travels to Damascus to meet with Mr. Assad, declaring before his departure that Tehran would “firmly support the Syrian government and army.”
The United States, along with its allies France, Germany, and Britain, calls for “de-escalation,” urging the protection of civilians and infrastructure in Syria.
2 December
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian both affirm “unconditional support” for their ally, as per the Kremlin’s statement.
5 December
The rebels conquer Hama, Syria’s fourth largest city, after several days of intense combat with Assad’s forces.
Syrian rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani announces there would be “no revenge” following Hama’s capture.
China’s embassy issues an urgent notice advising its citizens to evacuate Syria.
Syrian rebels led by HTS conquered the city of Hama on December 5
6 December
The rebels are now within striking distance of Syria’s Homs, often referred to as the “capital of the revolution.”
HTS leader Jolani declares that the offensive aims to overthrow Mr. Assad’s rule, reiterating “our right to use all available means to achieve that goal.”
Syrian troops and Iran-backed militia withdraw from eastern Deir Ezzor city, which has hosted Iranian advisers since post-2011.
According to the Observatory, more than 820 individuals, including 111 civilians, have been killed since the offensive commenced.
The violence has displaced 280,000 people, with the UN cautioning that numbers could escalate to 1.5 million.
Rebel fighters took control of the city of Homs yesterday
7 December
The rebels capture Homs, with the HTS leader proclaiming: “Damascus awaits you.”
The defense ministry denies reports of the army’s retreat from around Damascus.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose government backs several armed groups in northern Syria, states that Syria “is tired of war, blood, and tears.”
Lebanon’s Hezbollah deploys 2,000 fighters into Syria “to defend its positions,” according to a source.
The capital city of Damascus fell to rebel fighters on December 8
8 December
The army and other security forces withdraw from Damascus international airport after Assad is reported to have fled the country, as stated by the Observatory.
Rebels enter Damascus and announce the end of Assad’s regime, prompting residents to pour into the streets in celebration.
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali expresses readiness to “cooperate” with any leadership chosen by the populace and for any transfer of power process.
