A Syrian anti-government rebel fighter fires in the air with the Clock Tower in the background during celebrations in the central city of Homs early on December 8, 2024, after rebel forces entered Syria's third city 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 and Homs. (Photo by Bakr ALKASEM / AFP)