Syrian Govt Loses Control of Key City Daraa Amid Rebel Advances
Despite efforts for a truce, violence continues, with both local and international actors seeking a political resolution.
BEIRUT: Syrian government forces have lost control of Daraa, a pivotal city in the country’s civil war, marking a significant setback for President Bashar al-Assad. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, local armed groups have taken control of over 90% of Daraa province, including the city, after regime forces withdrew.
Daraa, known as “the cradle of the revolution,” became a symbol of Syria‘s uprising in 2011 after the government cracked down on anti-Assad protests. This loss follows the recent fall of Aleppo and Hama to Islamist-led rebels and a growing offensive by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) alliance, which aims to overthrow Assad.
In addition, Syrian forces withdrew from Deir Ezzor in the east, as Kurdish-led forces moved in. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 500,000 deaths and forced millions to flee their homes.
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Despite efforts for a truce, violence continues, with both local and international actors seeking a political resolution.
