Syrian rebels have reported the capture of the southern city of Daraa, marking the fourth city lost by President Bashar al-Assad’s forces in just one week.

This significant development comes as the rebels continue their offensive, having recently advanced towards Homs, a vital city that serves as a strategic crossroads between the capital and the Mediterranean coast.

Rebel sources indicated that an agreement was reached for the military to withdraw from Daraa, allowing army officials safe passage to Damascus.

Celebratory scenes emerged on social media, showing rebels mingling with locals and firing shots into the air in jubilation.

With the fall of Daraa, which holds symbolic importance as the birthplace of the 2011 uprising, Assad’s forces are under increasing pressure.

The city, previously home to over 100,000 residents, is located in a province that borders Jordan.

The rebels, including the coalition led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), are making a final appeal for forces loyal to Assad in Homs to defect.

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Capturing Homs would significantly isolate Damascus from Assad’s coastal stronghold and critical military bases.

As the conflict escalates, thousands of residents have reportedly fled Homs towards government-held coastal areas.

The recent advances by the rebels represent the most rapid territorial gains seen since the civil war began over a decade ago, posing a serious challenge to Assad’s rule.