**Syrian Government Forces Withdraw from Homs**
The Syrian government has withdrawn its forces from the city of Homs, a key location in the country. This happened on December 7 after less than a day of fighting.
The withdrawal means that Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad‘s access to the Mediterranean coast and Russia‘s air and naval bases is now cut off. Homs is an important city located between Damascus, Syria‘s capital, and the Mediterranean coast.
**Rebel Forces Advance**
Homs is the latest major Syrian city to fall to rebel forces in recent days. Anti-government fighters launched a rapid advance in late November, gaining control of Aleppo and Hama. Rebels are now reportedly poised to strike Damascus.
**U.S. Officials Predict Assad’s Regime Could Collapse Soon**
U.S. officials told CNN that Assad’s regime could collapse “by next weekend.” However, the Syrian government claims that Assad has not left Damascus and that the army is reinforcing defenses around the capital.
**Russia Launches Airstrikes Against Syrian Cities**
Russia, Assad’s key military backer, has launched multiple airstrikes against Syrian cities in an effort to combat the rebel advance. Satellite imagery suggests that Russia withdrew all naval assets from the Tartus port when rebel forces captured Aleppo.
**The Fall of Assad Threatens Russia’s Regional and Global Standing**
The fall of Assad threatens to diminish Russia’s regional and global standing. Russia deployed troops to Syria in 2015, providing support to the Assad regime against multiple anti-government forces.