May 5, 2025 9:56 pm
Full News

Assad Regime in Syria on the Brink of Collapse, U.S. Officials Warn

TVN Desk

The Biden administration is closely monitoring developments in Syria, where rebel forces have made stunning advances, raising the possibility that President Bashar al-Assad’s regime could fall within days, according to five U.S. officials. While no formal assessment has been issued, officials suggest the swift collapse of Assad’s government is increasingly plausible.
“The emerging consensus is that this is an increasingly plausible scenario,” one senior U.S. official remarked, while another suggested that Assad’s grip on power could disintegrate by the coming weekend. The official added that only an organized internal coup or significant reorganization could delay the rebels’ momentum, but the regime’s tight control over dissent has stifled such possibilities.
Rebels Advance Toward Damascus
Rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group previously linked to al-Qaeda and designated a terrorist organization by the U.S., are advancing rapidly toward Damascus. In just over a week, they have routed government forces in Aleppo, Idlib, and Hama. The next major city in their path is Homs, as they press south toward the capital.
The Assad regime has been caught off guard by the speed of the offensive, with regime forces retreating or disbanding under pressure. This advance marks the most significant escalation in Syria’s civil war in years. Since its inception during the 2011 Arab Spring, the conflict has claimed over 300,000 civilian lives and displaced millions, according to the United Nations.
Assad’s Allies Distracted
Iran and Russia, Assad’s primary backers, appear unlikely to intervene decisively. Russia remains entangled in its war with Ukraine, while Iran faces setbacks from recent Israeli strikes on its air defenses and regional proxies. The rebels seem to have capitalized on these distractions and the global community’s reduced focus on Syria.
One U.S. official noted that HTS has likely received tacit approval from Turkey for its operations, though Ankara has not overtly supported the group. Meanwhile, the U.S. has maintained a partnership with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) for anti-ISIS operations but avoids direct communication with HTS due to its terrorist designation.
Chemical Weapons and Regional Stability
A major concern for U.S. officials is the security of Assad’s chemical weapons stockpile, which includes chlorine and sarin. Assad has used these weapons in the past, drawing international condemnation. The whereabouts of these stockpiles remain unclear, heightening fears of potential misuse.
Speculation surrounds Assad’s potential escape routes, with Moscow or Tehran likely to offer refuge. Additionally, questions remain about whether the rebels will target Latakia, a coastal enclave with significant Alawite support for Assad.
U.S. Response and Political Implications
The Biden administration, caught off guard by the rapid developments, has not yet adjusted its military posture in Syria, where approximately 900 U.S. troops are stationed for anti-ISIS operations. Additional force protection measures have been implemented as a precaution.
The situation also presents challenges for the U.S. government as President Joe Biden prepares to transition power to President-elect Donald Trump. Trump has already expressed opposition to U.S. involvement in Syria, advocating for a hands-off approach. On social media, he urged, “LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!”
However, concerns persist among lawmakers. Sen. Lindsey Graham has called for contingency plans to protect U.S. forces and ensure the anti-ISIS mission remains intact. He warned of potential risks if the Assad regime collapses further, emphasizing the need to secure ISIS prisoners detained in northeast Syria.
Historical Parallels
The U.S. intelligence community has previously miscalculated the resilience of foreign regimes, as seen in Afghanistan and Ukraine. In 2022, it launched a review of its methodologies for assessing the “will to fight” of foreign militaries. The situation in Syria underscores the importance of accurately gauging such factors in rapidly evolving conflicts.
The next few days will likely determine the fate of Assad’s regime, with profound implications for Syria, the region, and international stability.

Related News
EU and Mercosur Finalize Landmark Free Trade Deal After Two Decades
Meta’s Policy Shift Sparks Concerns Over Hate Speech and Misinformation
Robert Pattinson’s ‘Mickey 17’ Delayed Again
Massive Protest Erupts Outside Bangladeshi Deputy High Commission in Kolkata
Martial Law Withdrawn After Hours of Controversy in South Korea
Amuri sees Garnacho’s ‘Bright Future’ at United
Related Posts
Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Possible “At Any Moment
Pakistan Accuses India of Violating Indus Waters Treaty, Prepares Formal Notice
India Suspends Indus Water Treaty Amid Rising Tensions with Pakistan
Myanmar Junta May Weaponize Nuclear Power Plant, Warns UN Envoy
India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate Following Pahalgam Attack
Trump Announces 100% Tariff on All Foreign Films
More News

Bangladesh student leader Hasnat-Sarjis withdrew the injunction banning 11 parties

Anti-discrimination student movement convener Hasnat Abdullah and central coordinator Sarjid Alam withdrew the writ banning 11 political parties, including Awami League and Jatiya Party, and declaring the last three parliamentary elections unconstitutional. The petitioners’ lawyers petitioned Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Mahmudur Razi High Court bench, which issued the order on October 29.  Legal counsel […]

2024: The Hottest Year on Record and the Growing Climate Crisis

As humanity ventures deeper into the 21st century, the specter of climate change looms larger than ever. According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, 2024 is now “effectively certain” to be the hottest year on record, surpassing previous benchmarks of global warming. This announcement underscores the urgent need for decisive climate action as the world […]

14 Minutes from Marmous as Man City Storm Blow Newcastle Away

Old Manchester City has been seen after a long time at the home ground Etihad in the English Premier League. In the 19-33 minutes of the first half, Marmous stormed Newcastle United, who were sixth in the table. The Egyptian forward, who joined the Citizens team on January 23, has seen the first hat-trick in […]

India Lifts Import Ban on Salman Rushdie’s The Satanic Verses After Original Order Goes Missing

Court Ends 35-Year Ban Due to “Untraceable” Document The Delhi High Court has lifted a 35-year-old import ban on Salman Rushdie’s controversial novel The Satanic Verses, after Indian authorities were unable to locate the original notification prohibiting the book. The decision came Tuesday in response to a 2019 petition by reader Sandipan Khan, who sought […]

U.S. Deploys Nuclear Bomber Aircraft Near Iran and Yemen

Tensions between the United States and Iran continue to rise over nuclear issues, with U.S. President Donald Trump warning of possible military action if Iran does not agree to a nuclear deal. At the same time, U.S. forces have been carrying out continuous attacks on Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Amid this situation, the United States has […]

DUJ Condemns New Murder Case Against Journalists, Demands Immediate Withdrawal

Dhaka, April 3, 2025: The Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) has strongly condemned the filing of another murder case against journalists, terming it an attempt to suppress press freedom. In a statement issued today, DUJ leaders expressed outrage over the recent case filed against six journalists in Bogura, including allegations against journalist Sheikh Hasibul of […]

Finland’s President Urges France or Britain to Engage with Russia on Ukraine

HELSINKI, April 4 – Finland’s President Alexander Stubb has called on France or Britain to take the lead in engaging with Russia over the war in Ukraine as part of European efforts to support Kyiv. Speaking in Helsinki on Thursday, Stubb said European countries backing Ukraine had agreed that at least one of their leaders […]

U.S. Court Orders Reinstatement of 25,000 Dismissed Government Employees

A federal court in Baltimore, Maryland, has ordered the reinstatement of approximately 25,000 government employees who were dismissed under the administration of President Donald Trump. Since assuming office, President Trump’s administration has terminated employees from 18 government agencies as part of cost-cutting measures. A significant portion of the dismissed workers came from three key departments: […]

Putin Invites Myanmar Junta Chief to Russia’s Independence Day Parade

Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Myanmar’s junta chief, General Min Aung Hlaing, to attend Russia’s Independence Day parade. The invitation was extended during Hlaing’s visit to Moscow on March 4, where he met with Putin at the Kremlin, according to TASS news agency. The Victory Day parade will take place on May 9 in […]

Ben Affleck Evacuates Home Amid California Wildfires

The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles have caused widespread destruction, with several celebrities’ homes being destroyed and awards ceremonies being postponed. Among those affected are Jamie Lee Curtis, Paris Hilton, Mandy Moore, Adrienne Brody, and now, Hollywood star Ben Affleck, known for his role as “Batman.” Amid his ongoing divorce discussions with Jennifer Lopez, Ben […]