Islamist-led Syrian rebel fighters shoot in the air in the early hours of December 8, 2024, after taking over the central city of Homs overnight. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied anti-goovernment factions have pressed a lightning offensive since November 27, sweeping swathes of the country from government control, including major cities Aleppo, Hama, Homs and the capital Damascus. (Photo by Abdulaziz KETAZ / AFP)