Rebel fighters claimed they captured the Syrian capital of Damascus early Sunday as government forces loyal to the country’s president, Bashar al-Assad, were routed in a mater of days.

The city's capture was a major victory for the rebels, who have already seized the cities of Aleppo and Hama, as well as large parts of the south, in a lightning offensive that began Nov. 27.

Rebel fighters claimed they captured the Syrian capital of Damascus early Sunday as government forces loyal to the country's president, Bashar al-Assad, were routed in a matter of days.

Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year rule appears on the brink of collapse as Syrian rebels claim to be seizing full control of the vital city of Homs and advancing towards the capital Damascus.

Rebel forces in Syria reached the suburbs of Damascus on Saturday, marking the “final phase” of their offensive -- and President-elect Donald Trump urged the United States not to get involved.

Anti-regime groups advancing in Syria's Homs Province, a gateway to Damascus, reach the city center in Homs, Syria, on Dec. 6, 2024. Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

Others have brought a sense of relief and joy. That was evident at the Al-Hamidiyah market in the heart of the old city of Damascus. It was once inaccessible to many Syrians.

Israel strikes Syria's capital, Damascus, pledging to defend Druze minorities By Ruth Sherlock, Greg Dixon, Hadeel Al-Shalchi, Daniel Estrin, Jawad Rizkallah Published July 16, 2025 at 8:51 AM CDT ...

Syrian rebels captured the key city of Homs as they close in on potentially ending the reign of dictator Bashar al-Assad. REUTERS With Homs in rebel hands just 30 miles from Damascus, the Assad ...

Rebel fighters claimed they captured the Syrian capital of Damascus early Sunday as government forces loyal to the country’s president, Bashar al-Assad, were routed in a mater of days.

Rebel fighters claimed they captured the Syrian capital of Damascus early Sunday as government forces loyal to the country’s president, Bashar al-Assad, were routed in a mater of days.

Rebel fighters claimed they captured the Syrian capital of Damascus early Sunday as government forces loyal to the country's president, Bashar al-Assad, were routed in a mater of days.