Breaking: Syrian leader escapes as rebels take control of major cities
Syrian president leaves country as rebel groups capture key territories in lightning-fast offensive. Government forces retreat while international community scrambles to address chemical weapons concerns
In a swift turn of events Bashar al-Assad left Syria as rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham took control of the countrys main cities. The rapid-fire offensive (which lasted less than 14 days) ended the half-century rule of Assad family
The rebel coalition seized Aleppo Hama and Homs while Syrian army units made quick retreat; Russia busy with its Ukraine operation and Iranʼs allies weakened by Israel couldnt help their long-time partner. The take-over happened when nobody expected it — creating a power-vacuum that worried global leaders
Any possible chemical weapons inventory or related materials must be secured
The international community faces urgent tasks: securing dangerous materials controlling armed groups and setting-up new government. Israelʼs air-force already hit a chemical weapons facility while Turkey (who might have approved the rebel advance) looks to gain more influence in the region
- Kurdish-led SDF controls 1/3 of northeast Syria
- Islamic State might try to use the chaos
- US keeps 900 troops in Kurdish areas
- UN wants peace talks in Geneva
Russia Iran and Turkey met in Doha to discuss the crisis; however they dont have clear solutions. The fall of Assad impacts Lebanon too since Syria was the main route for Iranʼs weapons to Hezbollah. Israeli leaders say their attacks on Iran and its allies helped cause Assadʼs downfall
