In a monumental turn of events, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is reported to have fled the country as rebel forces declared they have captured Damascus, marking the potential end of over 50 years of Assad family rule. The swift offensive, spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and other rebel factions, has reshaped the landscape of the Syrian civil war, leaving Assad’s regime on the brink of collapse.
Rebels Capture Damascus After Lightning Advance
Within just under two weeks, rebel forces launched a sweeping assault from the northwest, culminating in their arrival in Damascus. Videos emerging from the capital show scenes of jubilation, with citizens tearing down posters of Assad, climbing atop tanks, and celebrating in the streets.
One of the most symbolic moments of the advance was the liberation of Sednaya Prison, a facility notorious for its brutal treatment of detainees. Activists estimate that over 100,000 individuals have been forcibly disappeared in Syria since the civil war began. Freed prisoners poured into the streets, offering a glimpse of the harrowing impact of the Assad regime’s repressive tactics.
Assad’s Reported Escape
Reports from senior Syrian officers and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights indicate that Bashar al-Assad fled Damascus, with his destination currently unknown. It is believed he left the country aboard a plane from Damascus airport shortly before Syrian army security forces also retreated. While these reports remain unverified, Assad’s absence during the final days of the assault has only fueled speculation about his whereabouts.
Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali, addressing the nation in a video statement, said he remained in the country and urged for cooperation with opposition forces to form a transitional government. Jalali did not comment on Assad’s location.
The Collapse of the Assad Regime
The Assad family’s grip on Syria, which began in 1971 under Hafez al-Assad, has been characterized by a vast security apparatus and brutal suppression of dissent. Under Bashar al-Assad, the regime crushed peaceful protests during the 2011 Arab Spring, sparking the Syrian civil war, which has claimed over 300,000 lives. Assad’s forces have been accused of war crimes, including the use of chemical weapons and airstrikes targeting civilians.
Despite years of unrest, Assad managed to hold power with the backing of Russia and Iran, who provided military support that sustained his rule. However, the recent rebel offensive has exposed cracks in the regime’s defenses. The Syrian army is reported to have disbanded in key areas, with soldiers abandoning their posts or changing into civilian clothes to avoid capture.
Celebrations Across Syria
In Aleppo, taken by insurgents a week earlier, mosques broadcast celebratory songs as the city erupted in cheers. Across liberated towns, rebels declared the end of the Assad regime and promised a “new Syria.”
“This is our Berlin Wall moment,” said Dr. Zaher Sahloul, a Syrian-American physician and activist. “It’s been 14 years of horror. Today, Syrians can dream of freedom and justice.”
Exiled human rights defenders and analysts have expressed both joy and apprehension. While the fall of the Assad regime is seen as a historic victory, many are calling for accountability and the safe return of missing persons.
The Road Ahead for Syria
The rebels, now in control of Damascus, face the daunting task of transitioning Syria into a stable state. While promises of rebuilding and reconciliation are being made, challenges remain. Exiled activist Ranim Badenjki highlighted the bittersweet nature of this victory:
“I want to be happy, but I also want answers. Where are the missing? Where are our loved ones? Justice cannot wait.”
The downfall of the Assad regime is a turning point in the Syrian civil war, but it also marks the beginning of a new chapter fraught with uncertainty. The Syrian rebels, spearheaded by groups like HTS, must now navigate a fractured country and build a future for millions displaced by years of conflict.
