Damascus, Syria
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A delegation of US diplomats, who arrived in Syria on Friday (Dec 20), had a "positive" meeting with the country's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, aka Abu Mohammad al-Julani.
Speaking to the news agency AFP, a Syrian official who chose to remain anonymous said, "The meeting took place, and it was positive. And the results will be positive, God willing."
Al-Sharra leads the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group that swept Bashar al-Assad from power earlier this month, ending the family's 50-year-long iron-fisted rule.
Though the ouster of Asad ended decades of abuses and years of civil war, the formation of Syria's new rulers has raised concerns over minorities and women's rights.
<h2>Here's a look at the updates from Syria:</h2>
&gt; This was the first formal visit by US officials to Syria since the early days of the civil war that erupted after Assad cracked down on anti-government protests in 2011. 
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hts-leader-says-syrian-rebel-fighters-to-be-placed-under-defence-ministry-calls-on-west-to-lift-sanctions-784557">HTS leader says Syrian rebel fighters to be placed under ‘defence ministry’, calls on West to lift sanctions</a>
&gt; According to the US State Department, the delegation would also meet with activists, minority groups and civil society representatives in Syria.
&gt; The delegation includes Barbara Leaf, the top State Department official for West Asia, as well as the US point man on hostages, who has been seeking clues on missing Americans including Austin Tice, a journalist who was kidnapped in Syria in August 2012.
&gt; Recently at talks in Jordan- Western, Arab, and Turkish powers jointly called for an "inclusive, non-sectarian and representative government" that respects the rights of all of Syria's diverse communities.
&gt; On Friday, Syrians gathered in Damascus to celebrate the toppling of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Visuals from the news agency Reuters showed a mass celebration in Umayyad Square which was called by the HTS.
Also watch | The West Asia Post: Who will shape Syria's future?
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&gt; A day earlier, the Pentagon said that it had 2,000 US troops in Syria, far higher than the previously public number of 900, saying that the additional troops considered temporary forces that had been sent to support the counter-Islamic State's (ISIS) mission.
&gt; The US military said on Friday that it killed an ISIS leader and another of the terrorist organisation's members in a strike in Syria. 
&gt; The strike took place Thursday in Deir Ezzor province in eastern Syria, killing IS leader "Abu Yusif" and another operative, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on social media, without providing further details on the two ISIS members.
(With inputs from agencies)

Syrian leader al-Sharra leads the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group that swept Bashar al-Assad from power earlier this month, ending the family's 50-year-long iron-fisted rule.



Damascus, Syria A delegation of US diplomats, who arrived in Syria on Friday (Dec 20), had a "positive" meeting with the country's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, aka Abu Mohammad al-Julani. Speaking to the news agency AFP, a Syrian official who chose to remain anonymous said, "The meeting took place, and it was positive. And the results will be positive, God willing." Al-Sharra leads the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group that swept Bashar al-Assad from power earlier this month, ending the family's 50-year-long iron-fisted rule. Though the ouster of Asad ended decades of abuses and years of civil war, the formation of Syria's new rulers has raised concerns over minorities and women's rights. Here's a look at the updates from Syria: > This was the first formal visit by US officials to Syria since the early days of the civil war that erupted after Assad cracked down on anti-government protests in 2011. Also read | HTS leader says Syrian rebel fighters to be placed under ‘defence ministry’, calls on West to lift sanctions > According to the US State Department, the delegation would also meet with activists, minority groups and civil society representatives in Syria. > The delegation includes Barbara Leaf, the top State Department official for West Asia, as well as the US point man on hostages, who has been seeking clues on missing Americans including Austin Tice, a journalist who was kidnapped in Syria in August 2012. > Recently at talks in Jordan- Western, Arab, and Turkish powers jointly called for an "inclusive, non-sectarian and representative government" that respects the rights of all of Syria's diverse communities. > On Friday, Syrians gathered in Damascus to celebrate the toppling of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Visuals from the news agency Reuters showed a mass celebration in Umayyad Square which was called by the HTS. Also watch | The West Asia Post: Who will shape Syria's future? > A day earlier, the Pentagon said that it had 2,000 US troops in Syria, far higher than the previously public number of 900, saying that the additional troops considered temporary forces that had been sent to support the counter-Islamic State's (ISIS) mission. > The US military said on Friday that it killed an ISIS leader and another of the terrorist organisation's members in a strike in Syria. > The strike took place Thursday in Deir Ezzor province in eastern Syria, killing IS leader "Abu Yusif" and another operative, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on social media, without providing further details on the two ISIS members. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: US diplomats have 'positive meeting' with new Syrian leader

A delegation of US diplomats, who arrived in Syria on Friday (Dec 20), had a "positive" meeting with the country's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, aka Abu Mohammad al-Julani.

A delegation of US diplomats, who arrived in Syria on Friday (Dec 20), had a "positive" meeting with the country's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, aka Abu Mohammad al-Julani. Speaking to the news agency AFP, a Syrian official who chose to remain anonymous said, "The meeting took place, and it was positive. And the results will be positive, God willing." Al-Sharra leads the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group that swept Bashar al-Assad from power earlier this month, ending the family's 50-year-long iron-fisted rule. Though the ouster of Asad ended decades of abuses and years of civil war, the formation of Syria's new rulers has raised concerns over minorities and women's rights. Here's a look at the updates from Syria: > This was the first formal visit by US officials to Syria since the early days of the civil war that erupted after Assad cracked down on anti-government protests in 2011. Also read | HTS leader says Syrian rebel fighters to be placed under ‘defence ministry’, calls on West to lift sanctions > According to the US State Department, the delegation would also meet with activists, minority groups and civil society representatives in Syria. > The delegation includes Barbara Leaf, the top State Department official for West Asia, as well as the US point man on hostages, who has been seeking clues on missing Americans including Austin Tice, a journalist who was kidnapped in Syria in August 2012. > Recently at talks in Jordan- Western, Arab, and Turkish powers jointly called for an "inclusive, non-sectarian and representative government" that respects the rights of all of Syria's diverse communities. > On Friday, Syrians gathered in Damascus to celebrate the toppling of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Visuals from the news agency Reuters showed a mass celebration in Umayyad Square which was called by the HTS. Also watch | The West Asia Post: Who will shape Syria's future? > A day earlier, the Pentagon said that it had 2,000 US troops in Syria, far higher than the previously public number of 900, saying that the additional troops considered temporary forces that had been sent to support the counter-Islamic State's (ISIS) mission. > The US military said on Friday that it killed an ISIS leader and another of the terrorist organisation's members in a strike in Syria. > The strike took place Thursday in Deir Ezzor province in eastern Syria, killing IS leader "Abu Yusif" and another operative, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on social media, without providing further details on the two ISIS members. (With inputs from agencies)

WION is tracking all updates on the ongoing crisis in West Asia. At the time of writing the top 10 world news, United States (US) Secretary of State Antony Blinken would be on Thursday (Dec 12) visiting Jordan and Turkey for talks on the current situation in Syria.

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WION is tracking all updates on the ongoing crisis in West Asia. At the time of writing the top 10 world news, United States (US) Secretary of State Antony Blinken would be on Thursday (Dec 12) visiting Jordan and Turkey for talks on the current situation in Syria.

WION is tracking all updates on the ongoing crisis in West Asia. At the time of writing the top 10 world news, United States (US) Secretary of State Antony Blinken would be on Thursday (Dec 12) visiting Jordan and Turkey for talks on the current situation in Syria. Taliban minister Khalil Haqqani was killed in an explosion in Kabul on Wednesday. Khalil was a senior member of the Haqqani family, one of the most influential factions within the Taliban. In other news from around the world, Indian opposition party Congress' President Mallikarjun Kharge claimed that the Rajya Sabha (the upper house of Parliament) was being run by "politics and not rules," as he accused Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankar of targeting opposition and praising the government. Click on the headlines to read more: West Asia crisis LIVE: Blinken to visit Jordan, Turkey for talks on Syria US Secretary of State Antony Blinken would on Thursday head to Jordan and then Turkey for talks on the ongoing situation in Syria. According to the State Department, Blinken during his visit would reiterate Washington's support for an inclusive, Syrian-led transition to an accountable and representative government. Taliban minister Khalil Haqqani killed in Kabul bombing: Who was he? Khalil Haqqani, the Taliban's acting minister for refugees and repatriation, has been killed in a bombing in Kabul on Wednesday (Dec 11), reports suggest. Khalil, a key member of the powerful Haqqani network, died following an explosion that targeted a mosque in the Afghan capital. 'He targets opposition, praises government': Kharge accuses Dhankhar of bias in no-confidence motion Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday (Dec 11) accused Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar of "targeting the opposition, praising the government," and claimed that the Rajya Sabha (upper house of the Indian Parliament) was "being run by politics, not rules." Kharge, leading the INDIA bloc’s push for a no-confidence motion against Dhankhar, said, "The chairman's conduct has been contrary to the dignity of his post. Iran's new Hijab law imposes death penalty, fines, and imprisonment for non-compliance Iran has introduced a controversial law that strengthens compulsory hijab regulations, imposing severe penalties for non-compliance including the death penalty. The law, Protection of the Family through the Promotion of the Culture of Chastity and Hijab law, was approved on December 1, 2024, and will be enforced starting Friday (Dec 13). 'Growing tendency to misuse Section 498A': Indian Supreme Court amid Bengaluru techie's suicide As more and more developments are beginning to emerge in the suicide case of a techie in the Indian city of Bengaluru, the Supreme Court expressed concerns over the growing tendency to misuse Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). This section penalises cruelty by husbands and their relatives against married women. Netanyahu corruption trial: Israeli PM says he didn't discuss give and take with ex-owner of news site The trial involves three separate cases in which prosecutors said that Netanyahu exchanged regulatory favours with media titans for favourable press coverage and advanced the personal interests of a billionaire Hollywood producer in exchange for lavish gifts. IMD says 27 districts across Tamil Nadu on alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall The evolving weather system off the Bay of Bengal is expected to move towards Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu coasts during the next 24 hours, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) . As the weather system moves north, northwestwards in the coming days, it is expected to bring heavy (7-11 cms) to very heavy rain (12-20 cms) in 28 districts of Tamil Nadu, and the adjoining Union Territory of Puducherry. US court rejects The Onion’s ‘flawed’ auction bid for Infowars A US bankruptcy judge Tuesday (Dec 10) rejected an auction bid by satirical news outlet The Onion to acquire Infowars, conspiracy theorist Alex Jones’ website. The Onion had won the bid to purchase Infowars on November 14 after the platform was put up for sale owing to Jones’ $1.5 billion case in connection with the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary shooting. BGT 2024-25: 'Good carry, pace and bounce,' awaits India at Gabba says pitch curator The third Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test is just a couple of days away and another pacy and bouncy pitch awaits India at the iconic Gabba stadium in Brisbane. Gabba pitch curator David Sandurski, however, said that the wicket hopefully will offer something for everyone. Jay Z's alleged illegitimate son's claims resurface amid rape allegations The skeletons are tumbling out for Jay Z it seems. Amid rape allegations that the rapper is facing, his alleged illegitimate son is making headlines. Jay Z has denied his role in the alleged rap of a teen back in 2000 during an MTV Awards afterparty. However, 31-year-old Rymir Sattherthwaite's claims may also land the music producer in trouble. Rymir has been fighting to prove his biological ties to the Roc Nation founder, whose real name is Shawn Carter.

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Rebel factions in Syria, who ousted Bashar al-Assad from power following their November 27 offensive, on Tuesday (Dec 10) named Mohammed al-Bashir as head of a transitional government.

Rebel factions in Syria, who ousted Bashar al-Assad from power following their November 27 offensive, on Tuesday (Dec 10) named Mohammed al-Bashir as head of a transitional government. Citing state media, a report by the news agency AFP said that the transitional government would be in place until March 1. "The general command has tasked us with running the transitional government until March 1," a statement attributed to Bashir said. The statement referred to him as the new prime minister of Syria. Who is Mohammed al-Bashir? Bashir has been serving as the prime minister of the Syrian Salvation Government since January 13 this year. Al-Bashir is an engineer by profession. Following the outbreak of the civil war in Syria in 2011, he became the director of an educational institution which provided education to children affected by the conflict. Click here to follow all updates on West Asia crisis As rebel groups led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched an offensive against the Assad government forces in late November, al-Bashir stated that the offensive was launched in response to attacks on civilians by Syrian government troops, which he claimed had led to the displacement of "tens of thousands" of civilians. Following the ouster of Assad on Sunday, al-Bashir was tasked with forming a transitional government after meeting with HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Julani and outgoing Syrian prime minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali to coordinate a transfer of power. The Syrian Salvation Government was set up in the Idlib bastion in 2017 to assist people in the rebel-held area people cut off from government services. AFP reported that the government has its own ministries, departments, and judicial and security authorities. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Syrian conflict: Rebels name Mohammed al-Bashir as head of transitional govt

Rebel factions in Syria that launched an unprecedented offensive on November 27 against government forces overthrew President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday (Dec 8) and ended nearly six decades of his family's iron-fisted rule.

Rebel factions in Syria that launched an unprecedented offensive on November 27 against government forces overthrew President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday (Dec 8) and ended nearly six decades of his family's iron-fisted rule. This is one of the most consequential turning points in West Asia for generations, as the fall of the Assad administration wiped out a bastion from which Iran and Russia exercised influence across the Arab world, a report by the news agency Reuters said on Monday. Also read | Are people trapped in the underground of a notorious Syrian prison? White Helmets investigates The Kremlin told Russian media that Assad and his family were in Moscow, having been given asylum there. So, what is next for Syria? Here's a look > Reuters reported that Assad's sudden overthrow at the hands of the rebel factions led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) limited Iran's ability to spread weapons to its allies and could cost Russia its Mediterranean naval base. > Both Iran and Russia have been the main supporters of the Assad administration. However, they failed to stem the tide in Syria as they are caught up in their own conflicts— Iran and its proxies in their 14-month conflict with Israel, and Russia in a war with Ukraine since late February 2022. Also watch | Who controls what in Syria? × > A report by the Financial Times (FT) on Monday said Assad's ouster from Syria would be welcomed by the millions of people who suffered under his rule as he refused to compromise and negotiate a political settlement with his opponents. > During the November 27 offensive, there was coordination between the HTS and Turkish-backed factions that operate under the umbrella of the Syrian National Army, and other groups. > With the ouster of Assad, there is a risk of intra-rebel clashes. The FT report pointed out that the HTS is only one of the numerous opposition groups that are the remnants of the original rebellion and took part in the assault. > There are also fears that the Islamic State, which once took vast swathes of territory in Syria, would seek to exploit the chaos and make a comeback. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

What's next for Syria following Bashar al-Assad's ouster?

There is a new era in Syria as rebel factions launched an unprecedented offensive on November 27, which ultimately led to President Bashar al-Assad and his family fleeing the country.

There is a new era in Syria as rebel factions launched an unprecedented offensive on November 27, which ultimately led to President Bashar al-Assad and his family fleeing the country. The offensive was led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Citing sources, a report by the news agency Reuters on Monday (Dec. 9) said that HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani met overnight with Assad's Prime Minister Mohammed Jalali and Vice President Faisal Mekdad to discuss arrangements for a transitional government. The offensive was part of Syria's civil war, which has been going on since 2011. Here's a look at the latest updates: > United States (US) National Security Adviser (NSA) Jake Sullivan will travel to Israel this week for talks on Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, and on a truce deal in Gaza. Also read | What's next for Syria following Bashar al-Assad's ouster? > National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett told reporters on Monday that NSA Sullivan would meet Israeli officials to discuss "efforts to reach a hostage release and ceasefire deal in Gaza, the latest developments in Syria, and for discussions about Lebanon and Iran." > The ongoing developments in Syria are one of the most consequential turning points in West Asia for generations, as the fall of the Assad administration wiped out a bastion from which Iran and Russia exercised influence across the Arab world. > While Syria has been at war for over 13 years, the government's collapse ended up coming in a matter of days, with the offensive launched by rebel factions. > While it remains to be seen how HTS will operate now that Assad is gone, it has sought to moderate its image and to assure Syria's many religious minorities that they need not fear. > Global leaders have reacted cautiously to the current situation in Syria. The European Union (EU) said that it was not currently engaging with HTS. Germany said it would be paying attention to how HTS "deals with civilians and, in particular, minorities in the area they now control." Also watch | US, allies working to stabilise Syria: Biden × > Germany on Monday suspended decisions on asylum requests from Syrians. Sweden and France would be taking the same step. > Britain, meanwhile, said it would decide "quickly" on whether to remove HTS from its list of terrorist organisations. HTS has its roots in the Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda and is proscribed as a "terrorist" organisation by Western governments. > President Assad and his family have been given asylum in Russia. He was granted political asylum by Russian President Vladimir Putin. > Moscow has threatened a “harsh” response if Russia’s military bases in Syria are attacked. Russia has its Hmeimim airbase in Syria’s Latakia province, as well as a naval facility in Tartous. > The Kremlin has reportedly struck a deal with Syria’s rebel leaders to guarantee the safety of its bases. (With inputs from agencies)

Syrian conflict: US NSA Sullivan to visit Israel for talks on Syria as rebels take over - Updates

Syria's Interior Minister Mohammed said on Saturday (Dec 7) that the government security forces had imposed an impenetrable cordon around Damascus, as the rebel factions opposing the government said they were nearing the capital.

Syria's Interior Minister Mohammed said on Saturday (Dec 7) that the government security forces had imposed an impenetrable cordon around Damascus, as the rebel factions opposing the government said they were nearing the capital. "There is a very strong security and military cordon on the far edges of Damascus and its countryside, and no one... can penetrate this defensive line that we, the armed forces, are building," Interior Minister al-Rahmoun told state TV on Saturday, the news agency AFP reported. Rebels edging closer to Damascus Al-Rahmoun's remarks came after rebel factions said on Saturday that were edging closer to Damascus. According to a report by CNN, rebels said that they had begun their “final phase” of encircling. The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)-led alliance's offensive since November 27 represents the most significant threat to President Bashar al-Assad's power in years, after Syria's civil war which began in 2011. Rebels say they took control of Saasaa in Damascus countryside The above developments came after rebel commander Abdel Ghani said that his forces had taken control of the Saasaa (security) branch in the Damascus countryside. Also read | Syrian conflict: Assad failed to engage with his people, says Qatar PM "Damascus awaits you," HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa said in a statement Saturday addressed to rebel fighters on Telegram, using his real name instead of his nom de guerre, Abu Muhammad al-Jolani. Army denies withdrawing from Damascus The Syrian defence ministry, meanwhile, denied claims that the army withdrew from Damascus. "There is no truth to news claiming our armed forces, present in all areas of the Damascus countryside, have withdrawn," the ministry said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor reported government forces were pulling out of towns as little as 10 kilometres (six miles) from Damascus. Syria denies report that Assad left Damascus President Bashar al-Assad was continuing to perform his duties from Damascus, his office said on Saturday, denying reports he had left as rebels advanced towards the capital. Also watch | WION Fineprint: Syria spirals into crisis × Assad's office condemned rumours and false news about him leaving Damascus, and said that the president was following "up on his work and national and constitutional duties from the capital." (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Syrian conflict: Minister says military imposed cordon around Damascus

Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, the leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group that is leading the recent rebel offensive in Syria, said on Friday (Dec 6) that the goal of the offensive was to overthrow the rule of Syrian President Bashal-al Assad.

Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, the leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group that is leading the recent rebel offensive in Syria, said on Friday (Dec 6) that the goal of the offensive was to overthrow the rule of Syrian President Bashal-al Assad. Speaking to CNN, al-Jolani said, "When we talk about objectives, the goal of the revolution remains the overthrow of this (Assad) regime. It is our right to use all available means to achieve that goal." Also read | Syrian conflict: Rebel factions enter Hama, oust pro-govt forces from key city The offensive led by HTS began on November 27. The rebel factions have captured control of Aleppo and Hama. The rebels are now at the gates of Homs, the main central city in Syria that functions as a crossroads connecting the country's most populous regions. Around 280,000 displaced since Nov 27 offensive The United Nations (UN) said on Friday that the fighting between rebel factions and Syrian government forces since November 27 has displaced around 280,000 people. Addressing a press conference in Geneva, UN's World Food Programme (WFP) official Samer AbdelJaber said, "The figure we have in front of us is 280,000 people since November 27." "That does not include the figure of people who fled from Lebanon during the recent escalations," added AbdelJaber, who leads emergency coordination at the WFP. WFP warned that the fresh mass displacement inside Syria, more than 13 years after the country's civil war erupted, was "adding to years of suffering." AbdelJaber cautioned that if the situation continued evolving at the current pace, "we're expecting collectively around 1.5 million people that will be displaced and will be requiring our support." He pointed out that the WFP and other humanitarian agencies were trying to reach communities wherever their needs were, and were working to secure safe routes "so that we can be able to move the aid and the assistance to the communities that are in need." Statue of Assad's father toppled in Hama As rebels took control of Hama, videos circulating on social media showed the statue of President Assad's father Hafez al-Assad being toppled in Hama. Also watch | World DNA: Syrian rebels capture city of Hama × Crowds could be seen in Hama, Syria chanting 'God is Great' as the statue was pulled down by anti-government protesters. Hafez al-Assad was the Syrian president from 1971 until he died in 2000. He was succeeded by his son Bashar. This incident nearly a week after the statue of Bashar's brother Bassel al-Assad was toppled in Aleppo. Meanwhile, in the latest updates from the conflict, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan would meet his Russian and Iranian counterparts for talks on Syria. A Turkish foreign ministry source told AFP that the meeting would take place under the Astana process. The process involving Turkey, Russia, and Iran was launched by Kazakhstan in 2017 in a bid to find a political solution to the civil war in Syria. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Syrian conflict: Rebel leader says goal is to overthrow Assad's rule; 280k people displaced since Nov 27

Rebel factions in Syria,&nbsp;who launched a massive offensive against the government last week, on Thursday (Dec 5) seized the key city of Hama after ousting pro-government forces from there.&nbsp;

A report by the news agency Reuters said that the army was redeploying outside Hama to preserve civilian lives and prevent urban combat.&nbsp;

Rebel factions said that they had taken districts&nbsp;in Hama's northeast and seized the central prison, freeing detainees.&nbsp;

<h2>Hama seizure will send shockwaves through Damascus</h2>

Reuters reported that the rebels' seizure of Hama would send shockwaves through the Syrian capital and fears of a continued rebel march south.&nbsp;

Hama lies more than a third of the way from Aleppo to Damascus and its capture would open the road for a rebel advance on Homs, the main central city in Syria that functions as a crossroads connecting Syria's most populous regions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-it-wants-to-see-political-process-to-end-syrian-civil-war-following-rebel-offensive-781206">US says it wants to see 'political process' to end Syrian civil war following rebel offensive</a>

Hama is also critical to the control of two major towns with big minority religious communities – Muhrada, home to many Christians, and Salamiya where there are many Ismaili Muslims.

Although Hama had not previously been taken by rebels during the civil war (which is still going on)&nbsp;it was historically a centre of opposition to the Assad dynasty's rule.

Like other Syrian cities, Hama rebelled in 2011 against President Bashar al-Assad after the government's brutal crackdown on anti-government protests, triggering the civil war that drew in foreign powers and jihadists.

Since last week's offensive,&nbsp;rebels took the main northern city of Aleppo and have since pushed south from their enclave in northwest Syria.

<h2>Chinese embassy in Syria tells citizens to leave country</h2>

In other latest developments from the Syrian conflict, the Chinese embassy in Syria on Thursday advised its citizens&nbsp;to leave&nbsp;Syria&nbsp;"as soon as possible."

In a post on WeChat, the embassy said, "Currently, the situation in northwestern&nbsp;Syria&nbsp;is intensifying, and the overall security situation is deteriorating further."

Also watch | WION Fineprint: Syria spirals into crisis and mayhem

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"(The embassy) advises Chinese citizens in the country to make use of available commercial flights to return home or leave the country as soon as possible," the embassy added.

It also pointed out that those who remained in Syria might face "extremely high-security risks and potential delays in receiving assistance."

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Rebel factions in Syria, who launched a massive offensive against the government last week, on Thursday (Dec 5) seized the key city of Hama after ousting pro-government forces from there.

Rebel factions in Syria, who launched a massive offensive against the government last week, on Thursday (Dec 5) seized the key city of Hama after ousting pro-government forces from there. A report by the news agency Reuters said that the army was redeploying outside Hama to preserve civilian lives and prevent urban combat. Rebel factions said that they had taken districts in Hama's northeast and seized the central prison, freeing detainees. Hama seizure will send shockwaves through Damascus Reuters reported that the rebels' seizure of Hama would send shockwaves through the Syrian capital and fears of a continued rebel march south. Hama lies more than a third of the way from Aleppo to Damascus and its capture would open the road for a rebel advance on Homs, the main central city in Syria that functions as a crossroads connecting Syria's most populous regions. Also read | US says it wants to see 'political process' to end Syrian civil war following rebel offensive Hama is also critical to the control of two major towns with big minority religious communities – Muhrada, home to many Christians, and Salamiya where there are many Ismaili Muslims. Although Hama had not previously been taken by rebels during the civil war (which is still going on) it was historically a centre of opposition to the Assad dynasty's rule. Like other Syrian cities, Hama rebelled in 2011 against President Bashar al-Assad after the government's brutal crackdown on anti-government protests, triggering the civil war that drew in foreign powers and jihadists. Since last week's offensive, rebels took the main northern city of Aleppo and have since pushed south from their enclave in northwest Syria. Chinese embassy in Syria tells citizens to leave country In other latest developments from the Syrian conflict, the Chinese embassy in Syria on Thursday advised its citizens to leave Syria "as soon as possible." In a post on WeChat, the embassy said, "Currently, the situation in northwestern Syria is intensifying, and the overall security situation is deteriorating further." Also watch | WION Fineprint: Syria spirals into crisis and mayhem "(The embassy) advises Chinese citizens in the country to make use of available commercial flights to return home or leave the country as soon as possible," the embassy added. It also pointed out that those who remained in Syria might face "extremely high-security risks and potential delays in receiving assistance." (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Syrian conflict: Rebel factions enter Hama, oust pro-govt forces from key city

The United States (US) State Department said on Monday (Dec. 2) that it wanted to see a political process to end the civil war in Syria, which has been going on since 2012.

The United States (US) State Department said on Monday (Dec. 2) that it wanted to see a political process to end the civil war in Syria, which has been going on since 2012. Last week, rebel factions launched a large-scale surprise attack on areas controlled by President Bashar al-Assad's government and seized territory in the country's northwest region. The current offensive is being led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, known by its initials HTS. The US and the United Nations (UN) have designated the HTS as a terrorist organisation. '...want to end civil war once and for all' Addressing a routine press conference, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said, "In the immediate term, what we want to see are de-escalation and protection of civilians and minority groups. But our overall policy remains the same, is that we want to see a serious and credible political process to end this civil war once and for all, with a political settlement consistent with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254." Also read | Kyiv blames Tehran, Moscow for Syria escalation as Islamists take on Assad "As you know, that resolution calls for a process facilitated by the United Nations where the Syrian regime and the opposition groups would negotiate a path forward for Syria. It's important that that path be Syrian-led and have a process that ultimately leads towards elections," Miller said. "That's what we want to see over the long term. But in the short term, we want to see a de-escalation of the situation and protection of civilians," he added. "Nothing has changed with respect to our policy. Assad is a brutal dictator with blood on his hands, the blood of innocent civilians inside Syria, blood of his own people on his hands. Ultimately, what we want to see is a political process forward, where the Syrian people get to determine who their leaders are," the State Department spokesperson further said. Over 400 killed in current offensive The rebel offensive, which began last week, has killed more than 400 people, including at least 72 civilians, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Nearly 50,000 people have fled their homes in recent days, the UN said Monday. The rebel factions seized large swathes of Syria, reversing years of gains by forces loyal to President Assad in the 12-year war. The HTS rules the country's last rebel bastion in the northwest. Last week, HTS and its rebel allies captured Syria's second city, Aleppo, and dozens of towns and villages from government control. (With inputs from agencies)

US says it wants to see 'political process' to end Syrian civil war following rebel offensive

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will hold an emergency meeting on the ongoing conflict in Syria on Tuesday (Dec. 3), the news agency AFP reported on Monday, citing diplomatic sources.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will hold an emergency meeting on the ongoing conflict in Syria on Tuesday (Dec. 3), the news agency AFP reported on Monday, citing diplomatic sources. One of the sources told AFP that the meeting was requested by the Syrian government and backed by Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Algeria, and Guyana. Syria has been facing a civil war since 2012, and last week, the rebel factions launched a large-scale surprise attack on areas controlled by the government and seized territory in the country's northwestern region. Here's a look at the updates from the ongoing conflict: > The current offensive is being led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, known by its initials HTS. The United States (US) and the United Nations (UN) have designated the HTS as a terrorist organisation. > On Monday, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's said that the offensive by rebel factions in his country's north was an attempt to redraw the map of the region. President Assad made this remark during a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian. > "The terrorist escalation reflects the far-reaching goals of dividing the region and fragmenting the countries in it and redraw the map in line with the objectives of the United States and the West," a statement from Assad's office quoted him as saying. Also read | Syrian conflict: Assad says strife in north a bid to redraw the region's map > Iranian President Pezeshkian, meanwhile, pledged continued support to Damascus by saying, "We hope that with your tact, strength and fortitude, the country of Syria will pass through this stage with success and victory as it has passed through far more difficult conditions." > The Assad government is supported by Iran as well as Russia. Both Tehran and Moscow have said that they would help Syrian government forces fight back after Aleppo, Syria's second city, fell out of government control. > Aleppo is home to more than two million people and saw fierce fighting earlier in the civil war. But until this weekend the rebels were never able to take over totally. > The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that more than 500 people have been killed in last week's rebel offensive on government-controlled areas in the country's north. Also watch | What led to the fall of Aleppo? × > On Monday, Syrian and Russian air raids on several areas of Idlib province in northwest Syria killed 11 civilians, including five children, the Observatory said. > Turkey, which backs the rebel factions in Syria, rejected Monday any suggestion that "foreign interference" was behind last week's offensive. > "It would be a mistake at this time to try to explain the events in Syria by any foreign interference," Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said at a joint press conference in Ankara with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. (With inputs from agencies)

UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting on Syrian conflict tomorrow: Report

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said on Monday (Dec. 2) that the recent offensive by rebel factions in his country's north was an attempt to redraw the map of the region.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said on Monday (Dec. 2) that the recent offensive by rebel factions in his country's north was an attempt to redraw the map of the region. President Assad made this remark during a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian. According to a statement from the Syrian presidency, Assad said, "The terrorist escalation reflects the far-reaching goals of dividing the region and fragmenting the countries in it and redrawing the map in line with the objectives of the United States and the West." In a shock offensive, rebel factions breached Aleppo last Friday (November 28) and clashed with government forces for the first time since 2016. The advance on Aleppo followed a shock offensive by insurgents on Wednesday (November 26). Rebels take stock of gains in north President Assad's remark on Monday came as rebel factions took stock of their gains in north Syria. Also read | Who are the Syrian rebels who have taken Aleppo after shock offensive? In the northern town of Maaret al-Numan, rebel fighters took stock of their gains, inspecting armoured vehicles with Syrian government markings, a report by the news agency Reuters said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that more than 400 people have been killed in the major rebel offensive on government-controlled areas in the country's north. The death toll includes 214 rebels from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and allied factions who launched the offensive, 137 pro-government forces, and 61 civilians. Watch: Statue of Assad's brother torn down in Aleppo On Saturday, a statue of Bashar al-Assad's brother, Bassel, was torn down in Aleppo by armed men. Historic moment in Allepo now, as the statue of Bassel al-Assad, brother of Putin's puppet Bashar al-Assad is ripped down. pic.twitter.com/tpC0hszYDh — Jay in Kyiv (@JayinKyiv) November 30, 2024 × Bassel al-Assad was seen as the likely successor to his father, Hafez al-Assad, before he died in a car crash in 1994. In 2000, Bashar al-Assad became the President of Syria after his father's death. It is not yet known who were the men who tore down the statue. (With inputs from agencies)

Syrian conflict: Assad says strife in north a bid to redraw the region's map