The Syrian state media has dismissed rumors that President Bashar al-Assad has left the country, confirming he is still in Damascus. Meanwhile, Russia, Iran, and Turkey demand an immediate halt to the fighting as Islamist militants encircle the capital. A…

The US State Department has advised American citizens to leave Syria immediately as Islamist militants continue to capture strategically important cities. The message emphasizes the urgency to depart while commercial flight options are still available. Source