Reports are emerging of a possible coup attempt underway in Damascus, as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad remains in Moscow amid escalating rebel advances across the country.
The situation in Syria has rapidly deteriorated over the past week, with rebel forces making unexpected gains in multiple regions, particularly around Aleppo. President Assad's forces have suffered significant setbacks, withdrawing from large portions of territory with minimal resistance.
Adding to the uncertainty, rumors are circulating in Damascus about an attempted takeover by factions within the regime itself. These reports come as Assad conducts diplomatic meetings in Moscow, with no clear timeline for his return to Syria.
The rebel offensive, led by Tahrir al-Sham with reported Turkish support, has exploited a moment of weakness in Assad's traditional alliance network. Iran and Hezbollah, key supporters of the regime, are currently constrained by other regional commitments and challenges.
In an apparent attempt to project stability, Assad spoke by phone with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Saturday, asserting Syria's capability to defeat opposition forces with support from allies. However, such support appears increasingly uncertain, as Russia remains heavily engaged in Ukraine while Iran grapples with multiple regional challenges.
The Syrian government's position appears increasingly precarious, with its military facing multiple challenges including low morale and inadequate compensation for troops. Despite public statements of support from both Russian and Iranian foreign ministers, the practical ability of these allies to intervene effectively remains unclear.
The developing situation represents one of the most serious challenges to Assad's authority in recent years, with potential implications for regional stability and international relations in the Middle East.
Note: After reviewing the provided links, I found that none of them were directly relevant to the content of this article about the situation in Damascus/Syria. Therefore, following instruction #4, I did not insert any links since they were not directly related to the article's subject matter.