Syria’s Civil War reaches Damascus as rebels claim strategic gains

New Delhi, Dec 8: Syrian rebel forces have reportedly entered Damascus, marking a key moment in the conflict that began over a decade ago. A resident of the city told CNN that opposition fighters were seen in the Barzeh neighbourhood, where gunfight continues while CNN again quoting a source claimed that “militarily, Damascus has fallen.”

India along with several countries have advised their citizens not to travel to Syria in the current situation. The development follows a rapid rebel offensive that has swept across the country, with insurgents capturing Aleppo last week and claiming full control of Homs, Syria’s third-largest city. Residents in Homs were seen tearing down posters of President Bashar al-Assad, evoking the pro-democracy protests of the Arab Spring that first challenged Assad’s rule in 2011.

Inside Damascus, reports suggest that rebel forces are positioning themselves in key areas of the city. A resident described scenes of fighters navigating the narrow alleys of Barzeh amid clashes in the area. "The electricity is cut off, the internet is weak, and people are staying indoors," the resident told CNN.

The rebel troops who continued to advance their units had entered the capital in search of President Assad but failed to locate him. While the presidential office and Iranian allies insist Assad remains in the city, U.S. officials believe his regime may be on the brink of collapse. Media also reports that rebel leaders have been in communication with high-ranking Assad regime officers considering defection. Russia and Iran have been asking for an immediate halt to the conflict.

The Syrian conflict began in 2011 as peaceful protests against Assad’s government, inspired by the broader Arab Spring. What started as demands for democratic reforms soon transferred into a civil war, with Assad's forces accused of using chemical weapons, indiscriminate bombings, and arrests to crush dissent.

Over the years, the conflict drew in a complex web of regional and international actors. Iran and Russia provided military backing to Assad, while Gulf states, Turkey, and Western nations offered varying levels of support to rebel factions. Amid the chaos, extremist groups like ISIS and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) emerged, further complicating the conflict.

Now, with rebel forces reportedly within striking distance of central Damascus, media reports quoting Abu Mohammed al-Julani, the commander of HTS, have declared that the Assad government collapse is imminent. He also pledged protection for civilians in areas under rebel control, though HTS itself has faced criticism for its extremist ideology and harsh governance.

The quick advances have triggered a flurry of diplomatic activity. Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Russia, among others, issued a joint statement warning of the conflict’s dangerous escalation and urging a political resolution. The Syrian army, meanwhile, has reinforced positions around Damascus, dismissing claims that Assad has fled.

For ordinary Syrians, the latest developments bring both hope and fear. After years of devastating conflict, many are desperate for an end to the violence, but uncertainty looms over what a post-Assad Syria might look like. Rebel unity remains fragile, and the involvement of groups like HTS raises concerns about the potential for further fragmentation and extremism. Syria presently stands at a crossroads once again. For now, the country braces for what could be the most decisive chapter of its long and bloody civil war.