Many homes have been lost in the Pacific Palisades area, a favourite spot for celebrities where multimillion dollar houses nestle on beautiful hillsides
world23 hours ago
After almost two weeks of fighting, capturing four key cities, rebels in Syria entered Damascus with no sign of army deployments. On Sunday, Syrian President Bashar Al Assad flew out of Damascus for an unknown destination, two senior army officers told Reuters.
The head of Syria's main opposition group abroad Hadi al-Bahra Syrian said on Sunday that Damascus is now "without Bashar Al Assad".
As prisoners were let out of jails, and residents took to the streets to celebrate, some nations have stressed that the future of Syria rests in the hands of the Syrian people, and foreign interference must not occur. Both Arab and other governments stressed the need to prevent chaos in Syria, and called for the preservation of the unity of the state.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
With international organisations and actors hailing the day as a historic opportunity to ensure that 'atrocities' are not repeated, here's how the situation in Syria unfolded.
8.45pm: Saudi Arabia calls on international community to support Syria
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia called on the international community to stand by the Syrian people and cooperate with them in everything that serves Syria and achieves the aspirations of its people.
There must be no interference in its internal affairs, and Syria must be supported to "help it overcome the woes that the brotherly Syrian people have suffered over many long years, which have claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of innocents and millions of displaced and refugees, and during which foreign militias have ravaged Syria to impose foreign agendas on the Syrian people", the Saudi news agency reported.
8.28pm: Biden to meet with security team for Syria update
US President Joe Biden will meet with his national security team on Sunday morning to receive an update on the situation in Syria, a White House spokesperson said in a post on X, Reuters reported.
8.17pm: Amnesty demands rights violators face justice
Amnesty International called for perpetrators of rights violations in Syria to face justice after Bashar al-Assad's fall from power, calling it a "historic opportunity" to end decades of abuses.
"Suspected perpetrators of crimes under international law and other serious human rights violations must be investigated, and if warranted, prosecuted for their crimes in fair trials," Amnesty International head Agnes Callamard said in a statement.
7.56pm: Israel strikes Damascus security buildings
A monitor of Syria's war said Israeli strikes targeted government security buildings in Damascus on Sunday, as an AFP correspondent reported the strikes and subsequent fire, hours after rebels overran the capital.
"Israeli strikes targeted a security complex in Damascus near the former regime's buildings" including intelligence, customs and a military headquarters, said the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
7.24pm: Israeli military issues warning
The Israeli military issued a warning on Sunday to five towns in southern Syria, calling on residents to stay at home "until further notice" due to ongoing combat in the area.
7.18pm: 'Atrocities' must not be repeated, say UN investigators
UN war crimes investigators described Bashar al-Assad's fall from power as a "historic new beginning" for Syrians, urging those taking charge to ensure the "atrocities" committed under his regime are not repeated.
The United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Syria (CoI), which has been investigating and recording all alleged war crimes and other violations of international human rights law since shortly after Syria's civil war erupted in 2011, highlighted the evidence of abuses lingering inside the now emptying detention centres, according to an AFP report.
COI chair Paulo Pinheiro pointed in particular to the "prisoners being released after decades in arbitrary detention from the infamous Sednaya Prison outside Damascus", in a "scene that millions of Syrians could not have imagined a few days ago".
6.50pm: Celebrations continue in Syria
Residents in the capital were seen cheering in the streets as the rebels heralded the departure of "tyrant" Assad, saying: "We declare the city of Damascus free," according to AFP report.
Take a look at the map below, which shows the approximate changes in rebel-controlled areas between December 3 and just before the capture of Damascus.
6.34pm: Transitional governing body
The Syrian opposition coalition on Sunday said it is working towards forming a transitional governing body with full executive powers, adding in a post on X that it aspires to build strategic partnerships within the region and the world, Reuters said.
6.15pm: Prisoners let out of Syria's jails
Prisoners poured out of Syrian jails on Sunday, shouting with joy as they walked to freedom following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's government.
All across Syria, families wept as they were reunited. Newly freed prisoners ran through the Damascus streets, asking passers-by what had happened, not immediately understanding that Assad had fallen.
Throughout the civil war that began in 2011, security forces have held hundreds of thousands of people seized into detention camps where international human rights organisations say torture was universal practice. Families were often told nothing of their loved-ones' fate.
6.10pm: Iraq urges respect for 'free will of all Syrians'
Iraq on Sunday urged respect for the "free will" of all Syrians and the country's territorial integrity.
"Iraq reaffirms the necessity of respecting the free will of all Syrians and emphasises that the security, territorial integrity and independence of Syria are of paramount importance," government spokesman Basim Alawadi said in a statement, according to an AFP report.
6.02pm: Syria rebels say chief arrives in Damascus
Syria's rebels said the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, arrived in Damascus, hours after fighters took the capital and said they ousted President Bashar al-Assad.
Identifying him by his real name Ahmed al-Sharaa, the statement on Telegram said he had "knelt down" on the ground after arriving in the Syrian capital. A video showed him kneeling in a field and bringing his head to the ground, AFP reported.
5.52pm: 18-month transition period before elections
Syria should have an 18-month transition period to establish "a safe, neutral, and quiet environment" for free elections, Hadi Al-Bahra, the head of Syria's main opposition abroad, told Reuters on the sidelines of the Doha Forum on Sunday.
5.46pm: Israeli Defence Minister says deploying forces
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said a decision on Sunday to have the Israeli military deploy forces in the UN-monitored buffer zone with Syria was taken to ensure the protection of all Israeli communities in the Golan Heights, according to a Reuters report.
5.36pm: Turkey offers to help 'guarantee security' in Syria
Turkey's foreign minister said on Sunday the country wanted to help "guarantee security" in Syria after the fall of president Bashar al-Assad, AFP reported.
"Turkey is ready to take responsibility for all that is necessary to heal Syria's wounds and guarantee its unity, integrity and security," minister Hakan Fidan said in a message on X.
5.29pm: Iran says Syria's fate must be decided by Syria's people
Iran respects Syria's unity and national sovereignty, said the foreign ministry statement, as per Reuters reports. "The determination of Syria's future and decision-making rests solely with the people of Syria", it said, adding that the nation's fate should be pursued without foreign imposition.
The "long-standing and friendly relations" between Iran and Syria are expected to continue, according to the statement.
5.20pm: Rebel flag hoisted on Syrian embassy rooftop
Supporters of the Syrian rebels that ousted President Bashar al-Assad entered the Syrian embassy in Athens on Sunday and hoisted the rebel flag from the rooftop, police and a Reuters reporter said.
Police entered the embassy compound and detained four people, but left the flag flying, said a Reuters reporter at the scene.
5.13pm: Israel's Netanyahu says 'historic day'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the "fall of Assad was a direct result of blows dealt to Hezbollah and Iran by Israel". He added that the fall of Assad, "a major link in the Iranian axis, is a historic day," Reuters reported.
5pm: Qatar ministry renews calls for ending Syria crisis
Qatar Foreign Ministry said it is following the developments in Syria with interest, and called for the preservation of the unity of the state to "prevent it from sliding into chaos", Reuters reported. The ministry also renewed calls for ending the crisis in Syria, along the line of UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
The ministry added that it maintains its position in support of the Syrian people and their choices, Reuters stated.
4.53pm: Jordanian king stresses need to protect Syria's security
Jordan's King Abdullah said Jordan respects the choices of the Syrian people. He stressed the need to protect Syria's security, according to a Reuters report. The Jordanian king also urged "avoiding any conflict in Syria that might lead to chaos."
4.49pm: 'Hope to see positive trends continue'
A Saudi official told Reuters that the Kingdom has been in contact with all actors in the region on Syria, and in constant communication with stakeholders involved.
According to Reuters, the Saudi official said the Kingdom hopes to see some positive trends, such as protecting state institutions and minority groups, continue.
4.34pm: Golani statement
In a statement read on Syrian state TV, Abu Mohammed Al Golani, Hayat Tahrir Al Sham's commander, said: "There is no room for turning back, we are determined to continue the path we started in 2011."
"The future is ours," he said, according to Reuters.
4.25pm: Egypt affirms support for Syrian people
Egypt has called on all parties in Syria to preserve the capabilities of the state and national institutions, the Egyptian foreign ministry said. This is the first comments on the situation in Syria from an Arab government, Reuters stated.
The foreign ministry affirmed support for the Syrian people and the country's sovereignty and unity, and said it was following the situation with great care.
4.13pm: Russia says Assad 'resigned', left Syria
Russia said Sunday that Syria's Bashar al-Assad had resigned from the presidency after talks with the sides involved in the conflict and had left the country, without saying where to, AFP reported.
"As a result of talks between B. Assad and a range of participants of the conflict on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic, he took the decision to resign from his presidential post and leave the country, giving instructions to proceed with the peaceful transfer of power," Moscow's foreign ministry said. "Russia did not take part in these talks."
4.09pm: Italian ambassador to Syria unharmed after break-in
Fighters entered the residence of the Italian ambassador to Syria on Sunday, leaving him and his security detail unharmed, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said, as reported by ANSA and other domestic news agencies.
ANSA quoted Italian ministry sources as saying that Syrian fighters were going into embassies and offices of international NGOs in a search for allies of President Bashar al-Assad, who rebels say has been deposed.
The ambassador and the police officers have been moved to a secure location, the minister added, according to a Reuters report.
3.54pm: Syrians explore Assad's Damascus home
Dozens of Syrians explored Assad's Damascus home after it was looted on Sunday, an AFP correspondent said, following the fall of the capital to rebel forces. Women, children and men could be seen inspecting the six-storey home and its large garden.
The entrance to the residence was burnt down and the rooms were completely empty, save some furniture and a portrait of Assad thrown on the floor.
3.50pm: Curfew announced
Syrian rebels announced a curfew in Damascus, starting from 4pm local time until 5am, Reuters reported.
3.12pm: Explosions heard in Mazzeh
Explosions were heard in Syria in the Mazzeh area of Damascus, two security sources told Reuters on Sunday.
3.06pm: Russia's Lavrov, UN envoy discuss stabilisation measures
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held talks with Geir Pedersen, the U.N. envoy for Syria, in Doha on Saturday when they discussed potential measures to stabilise the situation in Syria, the Interfax news agency reported on Sunday.
3.03pm: France calls for peaceful transition
France welcomed news of the fall of Assad and called for fighting to end and a peaceful political transition in the country.
"Now is the time for unity in Syria," the foreign ministry said in a statement.
3pm: Lebanon deploys army
The Lebanese Army said on Sunday that it has deployed reinforced units to the northern and eastern borders in response to the current situation in Syria.
2.58pm: Germany calls Assad's ouster a 'relief'
Germany's top diplomat called Assad's fall "a great relief" for the people of war-torn country, while warning against radicalisation.
"The end of Assad represents for millions of people in Syria a great relief," said Annalena Baerbock, adding, "the country must not now fall into the hands of other radicals, whatever form they take."
2.45pm: Syria must maintain law and order, UN said
Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen said on Sunday in Doha that all armed actors in Syria must maintain law and order and preserve pubic institutions and he added he has no information on the location of Assad.
2.42pm: Rebels close to defeating Kurdish forces
Turkey-backed Syrian forces have taken control of some 80 per cent of northern Syria's Manbij area and are close to victory against Kurdish forces there, a Turkish security source said.
"The fight against the YPG/PKK is very close to victory. Both air and land interventions are ongoing to take Manbij from the hands of the YPG/PKK," the source said, referring to the Kurdish militia which has long been in control of Manbij.
2.35pm: Syrian administration must be inclusive, says Turkey
Turkey said that Syria's new administration must be inclusive because Syrian people would now determine their own future, after the ousting of Assad.
In a press conference in Doha, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Syrian people were not in a position to rebuild on their own and that international actors and regional powers had to act with prudence and preserve its territorial integrity, warning that terrorist organisations must not be allowed to take advantage of the situation.
Asked about the whereabouts of Assad, Fidan said he could not comment on the issue but that he believed he was out of the country. He also said Turkey had no contact with Assad despite a call from President Tayyip Erdogan to hold normalisation talks.
2.15pm: Trump says Russia abandoned Syria's Assad
US President-elect Donald Trump said that Russia's abandonment of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad led to his downfall, adding Moscow never should have protected him in the first place and then lost interest because of a war in Ukraine that never should have started.
"Assad is gone. He has fled his country. His protector, Russia, Russia, Russia, led by (President) Vladimir Putin, was not interested in protecting him any longer," Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.
"There was no reason for Russia to be there in the first place," Trump wrote. "They lost all interest in Syria because of Ukraine ... a war that should never have started, and could go on forever."
1.58pm: Whereabouts of Syria's Assad unknown
Syria's Bashar Al Assad boarded a plane in Damascus for an unknown destination early on Sunday. His whereabouts now - and those of his wife Asma and their two children - remain unknown.
Assad has not spoken in public since the sudden rebel advance a week ago, when insurgents seized northern Aleppo in a surprise attack before marching into a succession of cities as frontlines crumbled.
A Syrian Air plane took off from Damascus airport around the time the capital was reported to have been taken by rebels, according to data from the Flightradar website.
The aircraft initially flew towards Syria's coastal region, a stronghold of Assad's Alawite sect, but then made an abrupt U-turn and flew in the opposite direction for a few minutes before disappearing off the map.
1.39pm: Chinese citizens leave Syria
The Chinese government has assisted citizens in leaving Syria, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry said on Sunday.
It said Syria should ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel and that China's embassy in Syria continues to operate.
1.37pm: Syrians must face civil war themselves, says Russian lawmaker
Syrians will have to cope with a full-scale civil war alone, Konstantin Kosachyov, deputy chairman of Russia's upper house of parliament said on Sunday, the Interfax news agency reported.
Russia, a staunch Assad ally, intervened decisively in 2015 to prop him up during Syria's civil war, which began in 2011.
12.58pm: US will remain in eastern Syria
The US will maintain its presence in eastern Syria and will take measures necessary to prevent a resurgence of Daesh, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Daniel Shapiro said on Sunday.
Shapiro called on all parties to protect civilians, particularly minorities, and to respect international norms. "We are aware that the chaotic and dynamic circumstances on the ground in Syria could give ISIS space to find the ability to become active, to plan external operations, and we're determined to work with those partners to continue to degrade their capabilities," he told the Manama Dialogue security conference in Bahrain's capital.
12.50pm: Russian embassy staff are safe
The Russian embassy in Syria has said that its staff are "fine" following the ousting of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad. "We are fine," a Russian embassy staff member told TASS, without providing details on the diplomats' whereabouts.
On Friday, the embassy had urged Russian nationals to leave the country.
Russia, a staunch Assad ally, intervened decisively in 2015 to prop him up during Syria's civil war, which began in 2011.
12.45pm: Kurdish forces under attack
Syrian rebels said they have started an attack on Kurdish-led forces in the northern Syrian town of Manbij, according to a statement posted on Sunday but dated Dec. 7 (Saturday) on X by the Ministry of Defence of the Syrian Interim Government.
12.42pm: Iraq evacuates embassy
Iraq has evacuated its embassy in Syria and moved staff to Lebanon, the Iraqi state news agency reported on Sunday. Reasons behind the evacuation were not made public.
12.40pm: Iranian embassy stormed
Iran's embassy in Syria was "attacked", Iranian state TV said, after rebels declared the fall of Tehran ally Assad.
"Unknown individuals have attacked the Iranian embassy, as you can see in these images shared by various networks," a state TV broadcaster said, showing footage from Al Arabiya, said to be from the diplomatic compound.
Iranian newspaper Tehran Times reported online that Iranian diplomats had left the embassy before it was stormed, citing foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei.
The report said that all embassy staff were safe.
11.56am: Rebels continuing work for power transfer
Syrian rebel coalition says it is continuing work to complete transfer of power to transitional governing body with full executive powers. Calls on Kurdish forces to disengage from any foreign organisations.
"The great Syrian revolution has moved from the stage of struggle to overthrow the Assad regime to the struggle to build a Syria together that befits the sacrifices of its people," it added in a statement.
11.50am: Israelis warn Syrian rebel forces not to approach border
Walla news' Barak Ravid reported on Sunday that Israel has told Syrian rebel forces not to approach the border, and warned that the country will respond with force if they violate a separation of forces agreement.
11.42am: Future of Syria, has to be Syrian, says UAE's Anwar Gargash
Syria is not out of the woods yet and extremism and terrorism remain a main concern, said the UAE's Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the President, adding that Assad had not used the 'lifeline' offered to him by various Arab countries before, including the UAE.
Non-state actors should not be allowed the opportunity to exploit political vacuums, Dr Gargash said. "Unfolding events in Syria are also a clear indication of political failure and the destructive nature of conflict and chaos," he said in the first official comments from the UAE on the matter.
He added that Syria should have free elections so the Syrian people can choose who they want. "The driver in the future of Syria, has to be Syrian."
10.44am: Telecom services normal, internet restored to Hama
Syria's telecommunications minister told Al Arabiya television that telecom services are functioning normally nationwide, with internet access restored in Hama.
He added that he also spoke with Abu Mohammed Al Golani, the senior rebel commander of the Syrian rebel forces, shortly after Syria's prime minister said he did as well.
10.38am: Syrian PM calls for free elections
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Jalali said that Syria should hold free elections to allow its people to decide their leadership.
In an interview with Al Arabiya, Jalali also said he had been in contact with rebel commander Abu Mohammed Al Golani to discuss managing the current transitional period, marking a notable development in efforts to shape Syria's political future.
10.35am: Israel deploys forces in buffer zone
The Israeli military has announced that it has deployed forces in the buffer zone and at various points deemed necessary for defence in light of recent events in Syria. However, it emphasised that it is not intervening in the ongoing events taking place within Syria.
9.44am: Syrian rebels' televised statement
Syrian rebels announced in a televised statement that they have freed Damascus and overthrown President Bashar Al Assad's 24-year regime, adding that all prisoners have been released.
This dramatic collapse marks a key moment for the Middle East, ending the family's iron-fisted rule over Syria and dealing a massive blow to Russia and Iran, which have lost a key ally at the heart of the region.
Read here: The president who led a bloody crackdown
9.40am: Fight continues
The Syrian army said that its forces were pressing ahead with military operations against "terrorist groups" in the countryside of Hama, Homs and Deraa, areas that have witnessed escalating clashes in recent days.
The army said there was a need for awareness of what it described as a large-scale plot targeting the country, urging citizens to remain vigilant in defending Syria's stability and sovereignty.
Read here: Who is Al Jolani? The pragmatic rebel who led downing of Assad regime
9.38am: Preserving stability, security
Jordan affirms importance of preserving stability and security of Syria.
Jordanian Minister of Government Communication, Mohammad Momani, emphasised Jordan's steadfast position regarding Syria’s security, stability, and territorial integrity, highlighting their importance for Jordan’s national security.
In an interview to state television Roya, Momani noted that the 378-kilometer border with Syria is securely managed with clear military vigilance.
Momani also reiterated Jordan’s dedication to protecting its national interests and ensuring the safety of Jordanians, including facilitating the return of those wishing to come back from Syria.
8.37am: Meeting with Arab and European countries
The head of Syria's main opposition group abroad, Hadi Al Bahra, told Al Jazeera Mubasher TV on Sunday that they would meet with Arab and European countries and the United Nations to agree on next stage for the country.
8.32am: Biden monitoring Syrian situation
US President Joe Biden and his team are monitoring the "extraordinary events in Syria" are in touch with regional partners, the White House said on Saturday.
"President Biden and his team are closely monitoring the extraordinary events in Syria and staying in constant touch with regional partners," the White House said in a statement.
8.05am: Celebrations in Syria
Syria's army command has notified officers that President Bashar Al Assad's 24-year authoritarian rule has ended, a Syrian officer who was informed of the move told Reuters.
Thousands in cars and on foot congregated at a main square in Damascus waving and chanting "Freedom" from the long Assad family rule, witnesses said.
"We celebrate with the Syrian people the news of freeing our prisoners and releasing their chains and announcing the end of the era of injustice in Sednaya prison," said the rebels.
Sednaya is a large military prison on the outskirts Damascus where the Syrian government detained thousands.
7.50am: First statement expected
Rebels to broadcast their first statement to Syrian people on state TV, no timing yet - two rebel sources.
7.45am: Assad's rule has ended
Syria's army command has notified officers that President Bashar Al Assad's rule has ended following a lightning rebel offensive, a Syrian officer who was informed of the move told Reuters.
Syrian rebels said Damascus was "now free of Assad".
7.42am: 'Do not to approach Damascus institutions'
The leader of Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir Al Sham, Abu Mohammed Al Jolani, ordered forces not to approach official institutions in Damascus, saying they would remain under the prime minister until they are "officially" handed over.
"To all military forces in the city of Damascus, it is strictly forbidden to approach public institutions, which will remain under the supervision of the former prime minister until they are officially handed over," Jolani said in a statement on Telegram, using his real name Ahmed Al Sharaa instead of his nom de guerre, and adding: "It is forbidden to shoot into the air."
7.36am: 'New era' in Syria
Syria rebels say 'tyrant' Bashar al-Assad has 'fled'.
Announce start of 'new era' in Syria after 50 years of Baath rule, tell Syrians abroad to return to 'free Syria'.
7.31am: Damascus is now 'without Bashar al-Assad'
The head of Syria's main opposition group abroad Hadi Al Bahra Syrian said on Sunday that Damascus is now "without Bashar al-Assad".
7.30am: Syrian PM ready to support
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Al Jalali said on Sunday that he remained in his home and was ready to support continuity of governance, after President Bashar al-Assad fled Damascus as rebels entered the capital.
Syria's army command notified officers that Assad's 24-year rule had ended following a lightning rebel offensive, a Syrian officer who was informed of the move told Reuters.
7am: Assad left the country
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said Sunday that President Bashar Al Assad had left of the country, after losing swathes of territory to a lightning rebel offensive.
Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman said "Assad left Syria via Damascus international airport before the army security forces left" the facility.
A Syrian Air plane took off from Damascus airport around the time the capital was reported to have been taken by rebels, according to data from the Flightradar website.
The aircraft initially flew towards Syria's coastal region, a stronghold of Assad's Alawite sect, but then made an abrupt U-turn and flew in the opposite direction for a few minutes before disappearing off the map.
6.56am: Syria rebels announce entering Damascus
Gunfire rang out in the Syrian capital Sunday, residents told AFP, as rebels said they were "entering Damascus" in a lightning offensive against President Bashar Al Assad's forces.
As a war monitor reported the army and security forces abandoned the capital's international airport, a source close to Hezbollah told AFP fighters from the key Assad ally had left their positions around Damascus.
The Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group said its forces were moving into the capital, shortly before they announced an "end of the era of tyranny in the prison of Sednaya" as they broke into the jail which has become a by-word for darkest abuses of the Syrian regime.
Take a look at the map showing the zones of influence of the different forces in Syria, according to data from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW)
The pace of events has stunned neighbouring capitals and raised fears of a new wave of regional instability.
Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Russia issued a joint statement saying the crisis was a dangerous development and calling for a political solution.
Syria's civil war, which erupted in 2011 as an uprising against Assad's rule, dragged in big outside powers, created space for militants to plot attacks around the world and sent millions of refugees into neighbouring states.
Hayat Tahrir Al Sham, the strongest rebel group, is the former al Qaeda affiliate in Syria regarded by the U.S. and others as a terrorist organisation, and many Syrians remain fearful it will impose draconian Islamist rule.
Golani has tried to reassure minorities that he will not interfere with them and the international community that he opposes Islamist attacks abroad. In Aleppo, which the rebels captured a week ago, there have not been reports of reprisals.
When asked on Saturday whether he believed Golani, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov replied, "The proof of the pudding is in the eating".
Assad long relied on allies to subdue the rebels. Russian warplanes conducted bombing while Iran sent allied forces including Hezbollah and Iraqi militia to reinforce the Syrian military and storm insurgent strongholds.
But Russia has been focused on the war in Ukraine since 2022 and Hezbollah has suffered big losses in its own gruelling war with Israel, significantly limiting its ability or that of Iran to bolster Assad.
US President-elect Donald Trump has said the US should not be involved in the conflict and should "let it play out".
ALSO READ:
Many homes have been lost in the Pacific Palisades area, a favourite spot for celebrities where multimillion dollar houses nestle on beautiful hillsides
world23 hours ago
The 33-year-old woman had not declared the 460 200-gram bars that were distributed among three suitcases
world23 hours ago
Lifting more political sanctions would depend on how Syria's new leadership handled the transition and ensured exclusivity, says Foreign Minister Barrot
world1 day ago
Many families were left clinging on to survival in makeshift camps, without even the most basic necessities, such as blankets, says IFRC
world1 day ago
West Bank violence comes amid renewed Gaza ceasefire push
world1 day ago
Hamas demands Israel end war, withdraw troops for hostage release; Israel says it will not end the war until Hamas is dismantled, hostages free
world1 day ago
From October to November last year, there were more than 3,000 deaths from the virus across 27 countries, according to the WHO
world1 day ago
Evacuations cause traffic jams, residents flee on foot; strong, dry winds fuel fire forecast to worsen; wildfires rip through upscale Pacific Palisades and Pasadena
world1 day ago