Biden administration officials, who have been closely watching the rapidly changing situation in Syria, have suggested that President Bashar al-Assad’s government could fall within days as rebels advance to within 30 kilometers of Damascus. .
He said that Asad’s grip on power is rapidly shaking. “Perhaps by the end of next week, the Assad regime will have lost any semblance of power,” said an official speaking to him. CNN.
“The only thing that would delay a rebel victory would be a well-organized coup and reorganization, but Assad’s men have done a good job of suppressing any potential rivals.”
The statement by US officials comes amid a dramatic shift in Syria as rebels push towards the capital Damascus and fight for control of Homs, a key city.
Rebels in Homs have breached government defenses from multiple directions, capturing a military camp and several villages, according to rebel commanders and local residents.
However, state media say the army is seizing ground on the city’s outskirts, using artillery and drones.
Meanwhile, US officials noted that the Pentagon, with 900 troops in Syria, has not changed its military position but has taken additional security measures.
The question of Assad’s possible escape remains unresolved, with Moscow or Tehran emerging as possible destinations, should his government fall after saying he would flee the country.
The recent rebel takeover of Aleppo has sparked a domino effect, with government defenses collapsing in rapid succession.
Demonstrators on the outskirts of Damascus tore down signs of the Assad family, including some Turkish soldiers. However, state media claim that Assad is still in the capital, and that military reinforcements are being mobilized.