**Syrian Rebels Claim Victory Over Assad‘s Regime**
Syrian rebels have announced that they have ousted President Bashar al-Assad from the capital city of Damascus. The rebel leaders said in a statement, “The tyrant Bashar al-Assad has fled. We declare the city of Damascus free from the tyrant Bashar al-Assad.”
**Rebels Take Control of State TV and Radio Headquarters**
Rebel forces reportedly entered Damascus in the early hours of December 8, taking over the state TV and radio headquarters to broadcast the end of Assad’s regime. Eyewitnesses told Reuters that thousands of Damascus residents had gathered in the city center, chanting “Freedom.”
**Russia Loses Regional Foothold in Middle East**
The speed of the rebel advance may be related to diminishing Russian aid, as Russia focuses on its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. If Assad’s regime falls, Russia will lose its regional foothold in the Middle East.
**Ukraine and US Stand with Syrian Rebels**
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that Assad’s backers — Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah — have all been weakened and distracted. Ukraine supports the Syrian rebels and stands in solidarity with them.
**Canada Unveils Renewed Arctic Strategy**
Canada has unveiled a renewed Arctic strategy to bolster regional security in response to growing threats from Russia.
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