NEW: Chad ends defense agreements with France, signaling a shift from reliance on French military support.

As a key anchor for France in the Sahel, with 1,000 soldiers still stationed there, Chad’s decision marks a significant move following France’s withdrawals from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

The decision reflects Chad’s desire to assert its sovereignty and redefine partnerships in line with national priorities.

NEW: Syrian rebel fighters liberated the strategic Al-Eis Hill, capturing heavy equipment as Assad’s forces and Iranian militias fled.

The town has significant strategic value, particularly due to its location along key transportation routes.

Syrian rebel fighters take control of the Scientific Research Center near Aleppo.

Only 500 meters now separate Aleppo’s New Aleppo district from the rebels.

Assad’s forces fleeing from Syrian rebel fighters in Khan al-Sabil, south of Idlib.

#BREAKING Clashes between Syrian rebels & Assad regime forces now shifted to the outskirts of New Aleppo.

New Aleppo itself is one of the largest neighborhoods in Aleppo city.

NEW: Syrian rebels are now on the outskirts of Aleppo.

All of Aleppo is visible to the eye.

Falling like dominoes: Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye says France should close all military bases in Senegal, asserting that their presence is "incompatible" with the country's sovereignty.

“There will soon be no more French soldiers in Senegal.”

There’s always a Soleimani photo: The now-deceased IRGC commander Kioumars Pourhashemi, killed near Aleppo by Syrian rebel fighters, with Qasem Soleimani.

Something big just exploded in Crimea.

Reports suggest it can be S-400 air defence system position.

Syrian regime forces spotted as stationed in residential areas of Aleppo, deploying rocket launchers.

NEW: Students are evacuated from the University of Aleppo as Syrian rebels reach the city’s western edge.

Syrian rebel forces on their way to Saraqib, Idlib.

Inside of an Iranian militia office in western Aleppo countryside, now captured by Syrian rebel fighters.

BIG: Syrian rebels have reached Aleppo’s entrance, securing full control of the western countryside.

Syrian opposition fighter tears up Khamenei’s photo at Aleppo’s gates.

Iran, what happened?

Syrian opposition forces breached Iran-backed militants’ initial defenses in western Aleppo within 4 hours.

Iranian forces are rapidly retreating.

Activity reported at the Russian base near Sarrin, south of Ayn al-Arab. Heavy weapons are being moved to Raqqa, according to SOHR.

Syrian rebel forces have taken control of Khan al-Sabil and its surrounding area south of Idlib.