Syrian Civil War: Rebels Take Over Damascus! Where is Bashar Al Assad and Why is US Worried?

The Syrian Civil War, which has raged since 2011, has witnessed numerous twists and turns. One of the latest developments has raised alarms across the globe. Rebel forces, notably from the Islamist faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have made significant strides towards Damascus, the capital city that has long been the seat of power for President Bashar al-Assad. This shift in the battlefield raises key questions: where is Bashar al-Assad, and why is the US so concerned?

Rebels Close In on Damascus

The recent reports of rebel forces taking control of key cities and making inroads into Damascus signal a dramatic change in the power balance of Syria. Damascus, once seen as a stronghold of the Assad regime, is now on the brink of potential collapse. Rebel factions, in a surprising show of unity, have intensified their efforts and are tightening their grip around the city.

The city of Homs, a crucial junction between Damascus and Assad’s Mediterranean coastal strongholds, has already fallen under the control of HTS. As rebel forces approach the capital, the urgency of the situation has become clear. Many of Assad's loyalist forces have reportedly begun retreating, leaving Damascus increasingly vulnerable.

Bashar al-Assad's Sudden Disappearance

According to multiple sources, including Reuters, Assad was seen boarding a plane and leaving Syria under mysterious circumstances. His sudden disappearance has raised eyebrows and ignited speculation. While Syrian state media insists that he is still in Damascus, reports from the front lines suggest otherwise. The Prime Minister of Syria, Mohammad Jalali, has tried to reassure the public, expressing willingness to cooperate with a new regime. But the growing number of defections and the collapse of Assad's support network raise doubts about his ability to retain power.

The US Concern: Chemical Weapons and Regional Instability

For the United States, the fall of Assad’s regime would not only represent a political shift but also a grave security concern. One of the most alarming aspects is the fear of the Assad regime resorting to chemical weapons as a last-ditch effort to defend Damascus. The US intelligence community is closely monitoring suspected chemical weapons storage sites, mindful of the regime's previous history of using chemical weapons against civilians.

The US has long criticized Assad’s use of such weapons, most notably the 2013 Ghouta attack, which killed hundreds of civilians. The ongoing conflict has resulted in widespread displacement, with over 370,000 people fleeing the violence in just a week. The US has already issued a warning for its citizens in Syria, urging them to evacuate.

Global Reactions: Allies Pull Back, Syria Faces Isolation

International reactions to the situation have been swift. Iran, a staunch ally of Assad, has begun evacuating military and diplomatic personnel, signaling a shift in its support. Hezbollah, another critical backer, has also been withdrawing forces from key areas near Damascus. These moves suggest that Assad's ability to rely on external support is quickly fading.

Russia, another major ally, has also been noticeably absent in the face of this crisis. With its focus diverted to the war in Ukraine, Russian forces can no longer provide the air support that was vital during earlier phases of the Syrian Civil War. This lack of assistance leaves Assad increasingly isolated.

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