Anti-Assad rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), captured the strategic city of Hama, marking a significant turning point in Syria’s 13-year civil war.

The U.S., while acknowledging the destabilizing effects, denied involvement and called for de-escalation.

HTS, designated a terrorist group, has spearheaded recent advances and warned Iran-backed militias to stay out of the conflict.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are countering an ISIS resurgence, as the extremist group seizes territory.

The fall of key sites has prompted Israeli security alerts, with concerns over chemical weapons stockpiles, Fox News has reported.

Analysts suggest shifting geopolitical priorities have weakened Assad’s regime, while the escalating violence displaces over 280,000 civilians, intensifying Syria’s humanitarian crisis.

Written by B.C. Begley