The Syrian rebels’ capture of Damascus marks the end of a 50-year rule by the Assad family, including Bashar al-Assad’s 24 years as president.
On Sunday, rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Syria’s most powerful insurgent group, took control of Damascus. The takeover forced President Assad to flee to an undisclosed location.
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali pledged cooperation with the rebels, assuring a peaceful transition of power. HTS chief Abu Mohammed al-Julani ordered his troops to avoid public institutions until the official handover is complete under the PM’s supervision.
The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, has toppled numerous regimes. Assad’s government managed to hold on due to support from Russia and Iran.
However, on November 27, HTS and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army launched a surprise offensive, capturing cities one by one. Starting with Aleppo, they rapidly gained control of Daraa, Quneitra, Suwayda, and Homs before advancing on Damascus.
When the rebels entered the capital, President Assad’s whereabouts were initially unknown. Later, two senior army officials confirmed that Assad had left Damascus on a plane to an undisclosed location.
The fall of Damascus sparked celebrations across Syria. Crowds gathered at the Umayyad Mosque, where HTS leader al-Julani called the victory “historic.” Slogans like “Syria is ours, not the Assad family’s” echoed in the streets.
The offensive came at a cost. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported 910 deaths since November 27, including 138 civilians, 380 Syrian troops, and 392 rebels.
Leaders worldwide reacted to the fall of Assad’s regime. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomed the news, urging for law and order to be restored quickly. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the end of Assad’s “barbaric regime” a significant step and emphasised the importance of protecting civilians and ensuring aid delivery.
In the United States, President-elect Donald Trump distanced himself from Syria’s war, saying it’s “not our fight.” However, President Joe Biden described Assad’s fall as a “fundamental act of justice” and a chance for Syrians to rebuild their country. Biden pledged U.S. support for Syria’s stabilisation and transition.
Meanwhile, reports confirmed that Russia has granted asylum to Bashar al-Assad and his family on humanitarian grounds. Kremlin sources emphasised Russia’s commitment to a political solution to the Syrian crisis and called for UN-mediated talks to resume.
Assad’s arrival in Moscow has sparked international discussions. Russia has requested an emergency UN Security Council meeting to address the situation in Syria. The meeting, set for Monday afternoon, will discuss the country’s future after Assad’s fall.
The coming days will be critical for Syria as it navigates this historic turning point and begins its transition toward a new era.
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