Syrian Rebels Close in on Damascus as Assad’s Rule Faces Collapse

Syrian rebels launched a major offensive on Saturday, battling government forces for control of the strategically critical city of Homs and advancing toward Damascus. The rapid insurgent gains have led U.S. and Western officials to speculate that President Bashar al-Assad’s 13-year rule could collapse within a week.

The rebel push began a week ago with the seizure of Aleppo and has since seen government defenses unravel swiftly. In just 24 hours, the insurgents have taken nearly all of southwestern Syria, reaching within 30 kilometers of the capital, Damascus.

Homs, a pivotal city connecting the north and south of the country, has become a fierce battleground. Rebels reportedly breached government defenses from the north and east, capturing an army camp and surrounding villages. State media, however, contested this, claiming the military still controls the city and is striking rebel positions with artillery and drones.

The fight for Homs is seen as critical, as its loss would further isolate Damascus and cut off key supply routes for Assad’s forces.

Rebel advances have emboldened anti-Assad protests in Damascus suburbs. Demonstrators tore down statues of Assad’s father, Hafez al-Assad, and ripped up portraits of the president. Some army deserters reportedly joined the protests, signaling cracks in government control over the capital.

Despite the turmoil, Assad remains in Damascus, and state media reported that government forces are regrouping to defend the capital and southern Syria.

The rapid escalation has alarmed regional powers, raising fears of a new wave of instability. Syria’s civil war, which began in 2011, has drawn in global powers, created a breeding ground for jihadist militancy, and displaced millions of Syrians.

Assad’s regime has long relied on foreign support to sustain its hold on power. However, Russia’s focus on its war in Ukraine and Hezbollah’s losses in its conflict with Israel have limited the ability of Assad’s allies, including Iran, to provide reinforcements.

U.S. officials, speaking anonymously, suggested Assad’s government could collapse within 5 to 10 days. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump stated the U.S. should avoid involvement, advocating for a hands-off approach.

As the rebels close in on Damascus and Assad’s strongholds crumble, Syria faces an uncertain future. The potential fall of the Assad regime could mark a dramatic shift in the country’s protracted conflict, with implications reverberating far beyond its borders.