Syrian rebels successfully captured Damascus on Sunday, resulting in the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime amid the insurgents’ overwhelming offensive throughout the country.
The rebels released a statement declaring that “the city of Damascus is now free from the tyrant Bashar al-Assad” and claiming that “Assad has fled” after multiple factions encircled the capital from the north and south.
The specific whereabouts of Assad remained unclear, with reports suggesting that he had fled, marking a disgraceful end to a family dynasty that had ruled Syria for over five decades.
Residents of Damascus shared videos with the FT showing individuals inside the presidential palace, searching through rooms and destroying images of the Assad family.
Residents also reported celebratory gunfire and smoke in the air, creating a jubilant atmosphere across the capital.
With rebels now guarding banks and other public institutions, the future of Syria enters a period of immense uncertainty following 13 years of civil war and the fragmentation of the nation.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an Islamist group previously confined to Idlib in northwest Syria, spearheaded the rebel offensive that took Aleppo and marched southwards towards the capital, working alongside Turkish-backed rebels under the Syrian National Army.
As rebels entered the palace, Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali expressed readiness to collaborate with any leadership chosen by the people and emphasized the necessity of unity for all Syrians.
There has been no official communication from the Syrian presidency, military, or state media regarding Assad’s status or the current state of the country.
The successful rebel campaigns in strategic cities like Homs and Deraa have dealt a severe blow to Iran and Russia, resulting in a reshuffling of power dynamics in the region.
The rebel victory marks a significant defeat for Assad, whose reign has been characterized by brutal suppression and conflict, ultimately leading to his regime’s downfall.
Tensions remain high as the future of Syria hangs in the balance, with various factions vying for control and power in a country left fractured by years of war.
