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In a dramatic escalation of tensions, rebels stormed the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Iranian state television reported. The attack follows the capture of the Syrian capital and the subsequent fall of ally Bashar al-Assad.

The armed group, identified as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), targeted the embassy next to nearby shops. Footage broadcast by Saudi channel al-Arabiya showed the attackers looted the building, destroying furniture and damaging windows.

Although Iranian diplomats were evacuated before the storming, concerns remain over the sanctity of Shiite shrines in Damascus. HTS assured that there would be no disruption of the Sayeda Zeinab and Sayeda Ruqqaya shrines, important sites for Shiites worldwide.

(With input from agencies.)