How Damascus fell in 11 days

Islamist-led rebels on Dec 8 declared the end of President Bashar al-Assad's rule in Syria, saying they had ousted him as they swept into the capital Damascus and sent him fleeing.

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BEIRUT -

The rebels' rapid advance in the last days had reignited a years-long war that had begun in 2011 when Mr. Assad repressed anti-government protests, but which had become largely dormant.

Here is a recap of their lightning offensive:

NOV 27 Rebels launch a surprise attack on the Syrian army in the northern province of Aleppo, sparking clashes that kill more than 130 people in 24 hours, according to war monitor Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The attack is launched by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) - which controls much of the north-west Idlib area and slivers of neighboring Aleppo, Hama and Latakia provinces - and its allied factions.

NOV 28 The offensive by HTS comes during a sensitive time for Syria and the region, with a fragile ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel taking effect in neighboring Lebanon. Rebels also cut the highway linking Aleppo to Damascus.

NOV 29-30 Rebels shell government-held Aleppo and enter the northern city in a blitz assault against forces of the Iranian- and Russian-backed Syrian government.