DEC 5
The rebels captured Hama, Syria’s fourth largest city, after days of fierce fighting with Assad’s forces.
Syrian rebel chief Abu Mohammed al-Jolani says there would be “no revenge” after Hama’s seizure.
China’s embassy sends an urgent notice advising its citizens to leave Syria.
DEC 6
The rebels are within striking distance of Syria’s Homs, known as the “capital of the revolution”.
HTS leader Jolani says the goal of the offensive was to overthrow Assad’s rule, reiterating “our right to use all available means to achieve that goal”.
Syrian troops and Iran-backed paramilitaries pull out of eastern Deir Ezzor city – home to Iranian advisers brought in post-2011 – and its surroundings.
More than 820 people, including 111 civilians, have been killed since the offensive began, the Observatory says.
The violence has displaced 280,000 people, with the UN warning that numbers could swell to 1.5 million.
DEC 7
The rebels take Homs, and HTS leader says: “Damascus awaits you”.
Defence ministry denies news of the army’s withdrawal from around Damascus.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose government backs some armed groups in northern Syria, says Syria “is tired of war, blood and tears”.
Lebanon’s Hezbollah sends 2,000 fighters into Syria “to defend its positions”, says a source.
DEC 8
The army and other security forces pulled out of Damascus international airport after Assad reportedly flees the country, says the Observatory.
Rebels enter Damascus and declare the end of Assad rule, sending residents streaming into the streets celebrating.
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali says he is ready to “cooperate” with any leadership chosen by the people and for any handover process.
