By Bulletin Times 
Syrian Rebels Claim Damascus Encirclement as Global Tensions Rise
The Syrian conflict, long relegated to the background of international headlines, is suddenly back at the forefront as rebel forces claim to have surrounded Damascus. The Assad government fiercely denies the claims, maintaining its grip on the capital. But beyond the battlefield, the latest developments are reshaping political alliances and sparking fierce debates on Syria’s future.
Here’s a fresh look at this complex and evolving story:
1. The Rebels Make a Bold Move
Hassan Abdel Ghani, a leading commander of the rebel coalition, declared that their forces are on the brink of capturing Damascus. “This is the final phase,” he proclaimed, rallying fighters for what they see as the most pivotal moment in their struggle. The offensive is spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group once tied to al-Qaeda, now attempting to project itself as a more palatable political force.
2. Assad Stands Firm
The Assad government is not backing down. Official statements from Damascus dismiss the rebels’ claims as propaganda, asserting that the Syrian army remains in control of the city’s periphery. President Bashar al-Assad, they say, has not fled but continues to lead from the capital, fulfilling his constitutional duties.
3. The Human Cost
The renewed fighting has unleashed devastating consequences. More than 800 lives have been lost in just a week, including civilians caught in the crossfire. The United Nations reports that nearly 370,000 people have fled their homes, many with nowhere safe to go.
4. Russia’s Red Line
Russia, Assad’s staunchest ally, has made its position crystal clear. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov labeled the rebels as “terrorists” and warned against any attempt to undermine Syria’s territorial integrity. Lavrov invoked a 2015 UN resolution advocating for a political solution, but his message left no doubt about Moscow’s continued support for Assad.
5. Washington’s Balancing Act
While Russia doubles down, the U.S. is playing a different game. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called for a peaceful resolution, emphasizing dialogue over violence. Washington’s focus is on preventing further destabilization in the already fragile region.
6. HTS’s PR Makeover
In an unexpected twist, HTS is trying to change its narrative. Known for its extremist roots, the group is now calling for unity among Syria’s diverse communities. Rebel leaders are urging minorities to stay, promising an end to sectarianism. But the promises ring hollow for many who still see HTS as a shadow of its violent past.
7. Damascus: A Symbol of Power
The capital is more than just a city—it’s the heart of Assad’s regime. Its loss would be a devastating symbolic and strategic blow. For the rebels, capturing Damascus is not just a military objective but a declaration that the tide of war has turned.
8. A Growing Humanitarian Disaster
As the fighting intensifies, the human toll is becoming unbearable. Families are stranded in makeshift shelters, access to food and medical aid is dwindling, and the prospect of safety seems farther away than ever.
9. Global Implications
The battle for Damascus isn’t just about Syria. It’s a chessboard where global powers—Russia, the U.S., Turkey, and others—are playing high-stakes games. The outcome could reshape alliances and dictate the region’s future for years to come.
10. What Lies Ahead?
With no end in sight, Syria teeters on the edge of an uncertain future. Calls for peace talks are growing louder, but on the ground, violence remains the only language being spoken.
This latest chapter in Syria’s long-running conflict isn’t just another headline—it’s a reminder of the human cost of war and the complexities of geopolitics. For Syrians, it’s yet another fight for survival in a world that seems to have forgotten them.