Syrian Rebels Capture Fourth City, Threaten Assad's Hold on Homs

Syrian rebels have captured the city of Daraa, marking the fourth city seized from President Bashar al-Assad's forces in a week, and are advancing towards Homs, a strategic location that could isolate Damascus from the coast. The rapid rebel gains, including the capture of Aleppo and Hama, threaten Assad's regime, which is struggling to maintain control amid weakened support from allies like Russia and Iran. The conflict, which began in 2011, has seen renewed intensity as rebels, including the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, push to end Assad's rule.