DOHA: The ongoing situation in Syria poses a serious threat to regional and international security, according to a joint statement issued at the Doha Forum.
The statement of Doha Forum, signed by Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Turkey, and Russia, called for halting military operations in Syria and emphasized the need for a political solution to protect civilians.
In the meantime, Syrian rebels have announced full control of Homs, releasing over 3,500 prisoners from a military jail. Rebels have advanced to within 10 kilometers of the capital, Damascus, while the Syrian army has reportedly retreated from the city’s outskirts.
U.S. media reports suggest that President Bashar al-Assad is no longer in Damascus, with both Jordan and Egypt advising him to leave Syria, though Assad has rejected the offer.
Iranian military officials, including senior members of the Revolutionary Guard, have reportedly left Syria, while Western officials predict Assad’s regime could collapse within the coming week.
In a public address, Syria’s Army Chief vowed to regain control and urged citizens not to believe rebel propaganda.
