How the rebel assault unfolded in Syria - from Idlib to Damascus
In under two weeks, rebel groups swept through key cities throughout Syria, leading to what seems to be the imminent collapse of Bashar al-Assad's government.
After promising to resist at first, the authoritarian president, who held power for 24 years, is said to have escaped from the capital, Damascus.
As important allies Russia and Iran were preoccupied, the government’s defenses fell apart under the pressure of insurgent assaults.
In just a few days, it seems the Assad family's reign has come to a close following 13 years of devastating civil war that has torn the nation apart.
Here's how it happened.
November 26 - Assault on Aleppo
The insurgent assault started last Tuesday, aimed at the northern city of Aleppo, which had been under government control since 2016.
30 November - The seizure of Aleppo
Syria's military said they are pulling out of the city, stating they are getting ready for a counter-attack.
The attempt to regain control didn't work, and from then on, insurgents maintained their hold on Aleppo.
1 December - The government retaliates.
The air forces of Syria and Russia started launching attacks on rebel groups and their supply routes, while Mr. Assad promised to overpower them using military strength.
December 2 - Bombardment in Aleppo
The next day, the air forces focused on attacking rebel locations in the eastern outskirts of Aleppo, according to the prime minister's office.
Clashes have also erupted in the city of Hama, and "enemy" drones were seen flying over the important city of Homs, as reported by state media.
On December 3rd, Deir el Zor was assaulted.
Attention shifted to the eastern region of Deir el Zor, as rebels advanced towards Hama, asserting they had captured several villages in the area surrounding the city.
December 5 - Hama Seized
The rebels announced that they had taken control of Hama province, stating that they had released prisoners from the main prison in the area.
December 6 - Daraa Reclaimed
In a noteworthy comeback, insurgents announced that they had taken control of the southern city of Daraa, a place that was once seen as an emblem of the uprising in the initial stages of the conflict.
They also declared that they had reached the outskirts of the important western city of Homs, urging government-aligned troops to switch sides.
Explore further: Who makes up the Syrian rebel forces? Troubling times lie ahead for Syria.
December 7 - Rebels tighten their grip
The assault gained momentum on Saturday, moving rapidly through the southern towns of Quneitra and Sanamayn.
The rebels announced that they had completely taken over Homs and then advanced into Damascus, where demonstrators brought down a statue of the former president's father.
8 December - The government stands on the edge of collapse.
Mr. Assad’s lengthy and harsh leadership in the country seemed to be drawing to a close, as insurgents announced that Damascus is now “liberated from Assad.”
