Breaking News: Syrian Rebels Gain Control of Key Cities, March on Damascus
Syrian Rebels Enter Capital Without Army Deployments
CAIRO: Syrian rebels said on Sunday they have begun entering the capital Damascus without any sign of army deployments.
Rebel Victory in Homs Marks Turning Point in Conflict
Syrian rebels announced they gained full control over the key city of Homs early on Sunday after only a day of fighting, leaving President Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year rule dangling by a thread as insurgents marched on Damascus.
Intense Shooting Reported in Central Damascus
Intense sounds of shooting were heard in the centre of the Damascus, two residents said on Sunday, although it was not immediately clear what was the source of the shooting.
Rebels Advance on Damascus, Seat of Power
Rebels who have been encouraged by withdrawal of troops from key cities within just over a week said they were advancing to the capital, the seat of power of Assad.
Youth and Former Rebels Protest in Rural Areas
In rural areas southwest of the capital, local youths and former rebels took advantage of the loss of authority to come to the streets in acts of defiance against the Assad family’s authoritarian rule.
Sednaya Prison, a Symbol of Repression, Liberated
“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,” the rebels said.
Sednaya is a large military prison on the outskirts of Damascus where the Syrian government detained thousands.
Conclusion
The rapid advance of Syrian rebels has sent shockwaves through the region, leaving President Assad’s rule hanging by a thread. The rebels’ victory in Homs and their entry into Damascus mark a turning point in the conflict, and it remains to be seen how the Syrian government will respond.
FAQs
Q: What is the current situation in Damascus?
A: Rebel forces have entered the city without any sign of army deployments, and intense shooting has been reported in the center of the city.
Q: What is the significance of the rebels gaining control of Homs?
A: Homs is a key city in western Syria, and its fall marks a significant blow to the Syrian government’s control over the region.
Q: What is the impact of the rebels’ advance on the Syrian government’s rule?
A: President Assad’s 24-year rule is now hanging by a thread, and the rebels’ advance on Damascus marks a significant turning point in the conflict.
Q: What is the current situation in rural areas southwest of Damascus?
A: Local youths and former rebels have taken advantage of the loss of authority to come to the streets in acts of defiance against the Assad family’s authoritarian rule.