Payam Javan: On Saturday, December 7, opposition militants against Bashar al-Assad announced the launch of a siege on the Syrian capital, Damascus, following the capture of several neighboring towns.

According to reports, Hassan Abdelghani, one of the commanders of the opposition forces, stated that the anti-Assad forces have entered the “final stage” of encircling Damascus and are continuing their efforts to gain control of the area.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Ministry of Defense dismissed claims of government forces retreating from the outskirts of Damascus, labeling the reports as “false.”

These developments come as tensions between government forces and opposition groups persist in the areas surrounding the capital.