Syrian rebels have declared full control over Homs, the nation’s third-largest city and have advanced to the outskirts of Damascus, the capital. Clashes continue between President Bashar al-Assad’s forces and anti-government factions. In Daraa, local armed groups have taken control, while Aleppo and Hama have fallen to a rebel alliance led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an Islamist group. The alliance began its offensive on November 27.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that rebels now control over 90% of Daraa province, including its capital city, as government forces withdraw. “Local factions have taken control of more areas in Daraa province, including Daraa city,” the statement said.
The Syrian government faces further setbacks as rebels approach Homs, solidifying their hold over key territories. Syria’s devastating civil war, which erupted after Assad’s crackdown on pro-democracy protests, has claimed over 500,000 lives and displaced more than half the population.
In light of the escalating violence, India has advised its citizens to avoid travel to Syria and urged those in the country to leave immediately.