Syria Civil War Update: The situation in Syria is getting out of control. Rebels have captured many cities and have now moved towards Damascus. There is chaos at Damascus International Airport. Fearing the loss of power of President Bashar al-Assad, his loyalists are struggling to flee the country.

Less than a week after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched an offensive against the Assad regime from the northwestern region of Idlib, the rebel group is set to oust President Bashar al-Assad, who has been in power for 24 years and through a 14-year civil war against several militant groups, including the Islamic State.

President Assad fled the country!

President Assad's whereabouts are still unknown and there are rumors that he has fled the country. However, Syrian state media denied social media rumors and said he was performing his duties in Damascus. HTS-led rebels are about to reach Damascus. HTS leader Ahmed al-Shara addressed rebel fighters on Telegram using his real name Abu Mohammad al-Jolani and said, ‘Damascus is waiting for you.’

The rebels captured major cities

The rebels have declared their full control over Homs, the third largest city after capturing Aleppo and Homs. According to reports, the rebels have started advancing successfully and rapidly in the areas that were strongholds of Assad and gave him strength during the civil war.

The government has control over only three cities.

The Syrian army has withdrawn from the south of the country, leaving many areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. For the first time in the country's long-running civil war, the government now controls only three of the 14 provincial capitals - Damascus, Latakia, and Tartus.

What did Trump say?

America's newly elected President Donald Trump has said that his country should stay away from the growing conflict in Syria. He said in a post on social media, 'This is not our fight.' Assad gets the most support from Russia and Iran.

It was anticipated that Hezbollah fighters would arrive during this time of uncertainty. However, the long-running Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Hezbollah attacks have significantly weakened their abilities to aid Assad. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he ‘felt sorry for the Syrian people.’