Uncertainty grips Damascus as rebels approach Syrian capital

The UN has said it is withdrawing “non-critical” staff from Syria amid the evolving situation. HTS has pledged to protect international organisations operating in the country.

The UN envoy to Syria has called for an orderly transition of power, as well as “urgent political talks” to implement a Security Council resolution that seeks a negotiated transition between the Syrian government and opposition.

Speaking in Doha on Saturday, Geir Pedersen said representatives of Iran, Russia, Turkey, the US, France, the UK, Germany and the EU had expressed their support for a diplomatic resolution.

Damascus’s residents have differing views about a rebel takeover, Ms Shahla said, but are bracing themselves for the possibility of armed conflict on their doorstep.

Her family have remained throughout Syria’s civil war, and have not considered fleeing – until now.

While they are not planning on leaving yet, she said, “if things escalate in a dramatic way or a dangerous way, maybe we will think about it”.

Additional reporting by Jake Lapham