The UK government has halted processing Syrian asylum applications following the recent overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper noted the rapid developments as some Syrians begin returning home. The Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has taken control of Damascus. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised the end of Assad’s regime, urging for peace and stability in the region.