Syrian Rebels Gain Ground as Jordan Shuts Border

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government is rapidly losing control over key regions as rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, advance in major cities like Aleppo and Hama, and threaten Homs. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports government troop withdrawals, though the Syrian army denies these claims. The offensive has prompted Russian airstrikes and Hezbollah intervention to support Assad. Meanwhile, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces reportedly control Deir ez-Zor, and Jordan has closed its border with Syria due to escalating violence.