**Syrian Rebels Claim to Reach Damascus**
December 7, 2022 – Syrian rebels claim to have reached the suburbs of Damascus, Syria’s capital. The rebel groups’ rapid offensive against pro-government forces continues.
According to a statement by the Free Syrian Army rebel group, they have reached “the gates of Damascus.” Multiple opposition activists and a rebel commander also made this claim on Saturday.
The Kyiv Independent cannot independently verify these claims. However, Syrian rebel forces have quickly advanced in recent days, with rebel forces gaining control of major cities like Aleppo and Hama.
**Syrian President Remains in Damascus**
Despite the ongoing offensive, Syrian President Bashar Al Assad remains in Damascus. His office denied claims that Assad had left the capital.
**Russia’s Foothold in Middle East at Risk**
The advance of Syrian rebels deals a blow to Assad’s key ally, Russia. If Assad’s regime falls, Russia will lose its regional foothold in the Middle East and its influence will be diminished.
Moscow deployed its troops to Syria in 2015 to support the Assad regime against anti-government forces. Russian forces operating in Syria have been accused of committing war crimes, including intentional bombing of hospitals and “double-tap” attacks.
**Ukraine’s President to Meet with World Leaders**
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet with US President-elect Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris for a trilateral meeting on December 7. This comes as world leaders visit France for the reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
**Russia’s Aggression Continues**
In other news, Russian forces have attacked Kryvyi Rih in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, killing two people and injuring 17, including a six-year-old boy. The death toll rose to three on December 7 when rescuers recovered another body from the rubble.
**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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