Situation in Syria will have spillover effects on a region already convulsed by violence

Taking advantage of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Lebanon, Syria's rebel groups, a coalition with a complicated composition and backed by foreign forces including the United States and Turkiye, launched a surprise offensive against Syria's pro-government forces last month.

In a stunning development on Sunday, these opposition forces claimed to have taken Damascus, the country's capital, and announced an end to President Bashar al-Assad's government. This has sent shock waves around the world as it spells more uncertainties for an already crisis-ridden region.

It also means even more suffering for the Syrian people.