The chaos in Syria takes a new turn as rebels advance on the northern countryside in a surprise attack. 

And while Washington calls for “de-escalation,” the irony is unmistakable. 

I’m Ben Swann, and this is Truth in Media.

Overnight Syrian rebels, including factions linked to Al-Qaeda, surging into the northern countryside. What you’re watching there is the moments a group of them enter into the palace of President Bashar Al-Assad. 

This is the latest in the escalation of violence to cripple the country in the recent week that has resulted in hundreds of deaths. 

And of course, the U.S. The State Department comes out with the old and tired response. 

“Protecting Civilians?” Let’s not miss the glaring contradiction: Washington’s track record in Syria for years has been to arm and back militant groups. Including ISIS and AL Qaeda. That’s not a picture of stability.

And take a look at this…  There’s even video of these rebels using American personnel carriers during their operation.

And the man reportedly leading this coalition, is a master of reinvention. His name is Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani. 

This guy was once an insurgent riding a bus to Baghdad to fight U.S. forces, then a commander with ties to ISIS and al-Qaeda, and now he’s the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. 

You’re telling me he’s turning a new leaf all in favor of “religious tolerance?” 

Some people are skeptical, and with good reason. After all, this is the guy who’s been involved in some of the nastiest parts of the Syrian Civil War and now he’s making waves in Aleppo, presenting the biggest challenge to Assad’s regime in almost a decade.

And then there’s the bigger question: why now? It’s no coincidence that Syria’s strongest allies, Russia and Iran, are preoccupied—Moscow in Ukraine, Tehran in Gaza. Assad’s backers are stretched thin, and the U.S. backed rebels are taking advantage. 

Right now thousands of American troops are stationed there illegally.  And if you’re wondering why, just listen to the former British Ambassador to Syria. 

Already, we’ve seen U.S. aircrafts conducting airstrikes, further entangling itself in a conflict with no clear endgame. But it’s not just boots on the ground or airstrikes. 

But Syria and its allies are not taking this lying down. Here is video of a reported 30,000 allied Iraqi Shia troops and equipment entering Syria to help in the fight.

Let’s not sugarcoat it: U.S. involvement in Syria throughout history has been a mess. They’ve effectively isolated the country with crippling sanctions and policies that have destabilized the region for years. 

Remember in 2016 when emails leaked from Jake Sullivan to Hillary Clinton saying it outright: “We are on the side of Al-Qaeda in Syria.”

Even if the U.S. isn’t as directly involved now, its policies of isolation and sanctions have left Syria vulnerable—perfect conditions for this chaos.

Here’s the truth: there are no heroes in this fight. It’s not about picking sides; it’s about acknowledging that these endless proxy wars have shattered any hope for stability in the region.

For the people caught in this nightmare, peace seems further away than ever.

Joining me now to discuss, we are joined by Afshin Rattansi, he’s the host of “Going Underground.” 

1 – You’ve interviewed Assad in the past where he’s been vocal about the US waging wars against the rest of the world. What do you make of this recent outbreak? 

2 – How could this impact the incoming administration and even further, the Middle East region as a whole? 

3 – Now the U.S. is floating the idea of lifting some sanctions on Assad. What do you make of this move? 

That’s our show, you can catch all of our latest coverage, Check us out on X @Truth_inmedia and you can watch all of our full episodes on Truthinmedia.com.