Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Jacson6

(846 posts)
Sat Dec 7, 2024, 10:34 AM Dec 7

Syrian opposition activists say insurgents have reached the suburbs of Damascus

apnews.com
Syrian opposition activists say insurgents have reached the suburbs of Damascus
By BASSEM MROUE

BEIRUT (AP) — Syrian insurgents have reached the suburbs of Damascus as part of a rapidly moving offensive that has seen them take over some of Syria’s largest cities across the country, opposition activists and a rebel commander said Saturday.

It was the first time that opposition forces reach the outskirts of the Syrian capital since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the region adjacent to the capital following a yearslong siege. It came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern Syria on Saturday, leaving more areas of the country, including two provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters.

The rapid advances by insurgents is a stunning reversal of fortunes for Syria’s President Bashar Assad, who appears to be largely on his own, with erstwhile allies preoccupied with other conflicts.

His chief international backer, Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine, and Lebanon’s powerful Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up his forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran, meanwhile, has seen its proxies across the region degraded by Israeli regular airstrikes.


Assad might want to get himself to Russia. I'm sure he doesn't want him & his family to end up like Libya's Qaddafi.
2 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Syrian opposition activists say insurgents have reached the suburbs of Damascus (Original Post) Jacson6 Dec 7 OP
Assad should ask Tulsi Gabbard for assistance. no_hypocrisy Dec 7 #1
Well the good news for Assad is that he has a job skill, so that his family won't starve. Jacson6 Dec 7 #2

Jacson6

(846 posts)
2. Well the good news for Assad is that he has a job skill, so that his family won't starve.
Sat Dec 7, 2024, 10:53 AM
Dec 7

He is a trained optometrist.

Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Middle East»Syrian opposition activis...