Washington: The US is closely monitoring the escalating situation in Syria, according to a statement Saturday from National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett. The statement criticized the Assad regime for its refusal to engage in the political process outlined by UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2254. According to Philippines News Agency, the statement specified that the United States has no involvement in the offensive led by Hay'at Tahir al-Sham (HTS), which is recognized as a terrorist organization. Savett emphasized the need for immediate de-escalation, protection of civilians and minority groups, and the commencement of a credible political process to resolve the Syrian civil war consistent with UNSCR 2254. Savett also assured that the US would continue to defend and protect its personnel and military positions, which are crucial for preventing the resurgence of ISIS (Daesh) in Syria. Fighting began on November 27 between Assad regime forces and anti-regime armed groups in the western countr yside of Aleppo province in northern Syria. From November 27 to 28, anti-regime armed groups made significant progress, advancing from the western countryside toward the city center and capturing much of it by Saturday. The armed groups secured control of Khan Shaykhun later that day, thereby establishing control over all of Idlib.