Syrian Rebels Advance, Thousands Flee Amid Renewed Conflict

Thousands have fled Homs as Syrian rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), advance on the city, threatening to capture a third major city after Aleppo and Hama. The fall of Homs would leave Damascus vulnerable, intensifying the Syrian civil war. HTS, a former Al Qaeda affiliate, has strengthened its forces and diplomatic ties, challenging Assad's regime, which is also battling Kurdish forces in the east. Russian and Israeli military actions further complicate the conflict, with Russia's future involvement uncertain.