News
2024
U/A 16+
Syrian rebels claimed victory over Bashar al-Assad's forces on Wednesday (December 4) as residents of the Syrian city of Tel Rifaat began returning.Armed opposition fighters could be seen standing by abandoned military tanks and patrolling the streets, as jubilant locals began the return back to their homes.Trucks and motorbikes laden with belongings crowded the roads as residents expressed their joy at returning."Thanks to God we will go back and be reunited with our family," said one resident.Syrian rebels battled government forces and allied militia on Wednesday (December 4) in villages north and east of Hama, a major city whose capture would pile pressure on President Bashar al-Assad.The rebels have staged their biggest advance in years over the past week, seizing Aleppo - Syria's biggest city before the war - in a lightning assault that has upended long stable frontlines and further destabilised a region already ablaze from war in Gaza.On Wednesday, as the insurgents mounted fresh assaults around the outskirts of Hama, the most powerful rebel commander was shown on video touring Aleppo's ancient citadel, historically a potent symbol of rule over northern Syria.The front lines of the conflict have been frozen since 2020 after Assad clawed back most of the country from rebels, thanks to help from Russian air power, and military help from Iran and its network of regional Shi'ite militia groups.Show more