h1>Syrian Rebels Launch Assault on Damascus as Assad Regime Crumbles
Syrian rebels have launched an audacious assault on the capital Damascus, forcing their way into the city even as the Assad regime shows signs of collapse. A concerted push by anti-government forces from three directions has brought them to within close striking distance of the city center.
Clashes were reported in the early hours of Wednesday (December 14) as rebel fighters infiltrated the Barzeh district, a key neighborhood within Damascus.
"I saw rebel groups moving through the alleyways in Barzeh, heading towards Police Club Street. Intense clashes were audible, and the electricity had gone out, internet connectivity was poor, forcing everyone inside their homes," a resident in Damascus told in a phone conversation.
The assault marks a turning point in the Syrian civil war. A security official speaking on the condition of anonymity confirmed that government forces were losing ground in the face of the rebel onslaught, adding that “from a military perspective, Damascus has fallen."
A source close to the rebel campaign echoed this sentiment:** Damascus has fallen. Reconnaissance units entered the city last night, desperately searching for President Bashar al-Assad, but they couldn’t locate him."
The newly formed Syrian National Coalition, which the US. recognizes as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people, has stated they are in contact with elements of the Assad regime who are considering abandoning the president.
Rebel fighters were also reported to have occupied strategic locations within Damascus adding significant pressure on the Assad government.
Across the country, the rebels are gaining the upper hand.
The rebels claim to have begun the final phase of the siege of Damascus starting Saturday,
Syrian rebels claim to have begun the final phase of the siege of Damascus since Saturday. However, the Syrian Ministry of Defense denied these claims, asserting its forces remain in control.
In a defiant statement Tuesday, a spokesman stated, "There is no truth in the news that alleges our troops have withdrawn. Our armed forces remain vigilant and deployed throughout the Damascus region."
News came as an estimated 1,0suspected chemical attack on
[Gambas:Video CNN]
What are the potential consequences for the Assad regime if the Syrian rebels successfully capture Damascus?
## Interview: Syrian Rebels Advance on Damascus
**Host:** Joining us now to discuss the rapidly developing situation in Syria is Dr. Ahmed Khalil, a Middle East Security Analyst and expert on the Syrian conflict. Dr. Khalil, the news coming out of Damascus is highly concerning. Syrian rebels have apparently breached the city limits and engaged in direct combat with government forces. What does this mean for the future of the Assad regime and the ongoing civil war?
**Dr. Khalil:** The situation is indeed critical. The rebel advance into Damascus is a significant development, marking a potential turning point in the conflict. We’ve witnessed a steady erosion of government control over the past few months, particularly in the south. However, capturing Damascus itself would be a symbolic and strategic victory for the opposition. It would clearly demonstrate the fragility of the Assad regime and potentially trigger defections within the government’s ranks.
**Host:** Reports indicate fighting is taking place in the Barzeh district. Can you shed some light on the strategic importance of this area?
**Dr. Khalil:** Barzeh is a strategically vital district, located near key government installations and transportation routes. Rebel control of this area would allow them to further exert pressure on the city center and potentially disrupt crucial supply lines for the bastions of the Assad regime.
**Host:** Some analysts have suggested that this advance might signal the beginning of the end for Bashar al-Assad. Do you agree with this assessment?
**Dr. Khalil:** It’s still too early to definitively say if this marks the end for Assad. However, this incursion undoubtedly puts him in a precarious position. The momentum seems to be shifting in favor of the rebels. The international community’s indifference to the conflict, coupled with the internal fractures within the Assad regime, creates a rather volatile environment. If the rebels can consolidate their gains in Damascus and exploit the growing internal division within the regime, Assad’s grip on power may indeed crumble. [[1](https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/syria-homs-latest-damascus-rebels-1.7404449)]
**Host:** Thank you for providing your expert analysis, Dr. Khalil. This is a developing story, and we’ll continue to monitor the situation closely.
