DAMASCUS, Syria — In a stunning turn of events, Islamist-led rebels have seized control of Damascus, bringing an abrupt end to the Assad family’s five-decade grip on power and dramatically reshaping Syria’s political landscape.
Jubilant residents flooded the streets at sunrise, celebrating what they described as the fall of a “tyrannical regime.” Rebel fighters, members of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, declared Damascus “free” after a lightning-fast offensive that caught government forces off guard.
“We are starting a new history for Syria,” said Damascus resident Amer Batha, tears streaming down his face. “We’ve been waiting a long time for this day.”
Reports indicate President Bashar al-Assad fled the capital via Damascus international airport before the complete collapse of government security forces. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed the president’s departure, though independent verification remains challenging.
The rapid collapse came less than two weeks after rebels launched their initial challenge to Assad’s rule. Strategic cities, including Homs, quickly fell to the insurgent groups, exposing the fragility of the once-seemingly impenetrable regime.
Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali signaled a potential peaceful transition, stating he was prepared to cooperate with “any leadership chosen by the Syrian people.”
The White House reported that President Joe Biden was closely monitoring the “extraordinary events” unfolding in the region.
Rebel factions broadcast their victory on Syrian state television, urging citizens to protect state property and herald a new era of governance. Celebratory gunfire and religious chants echoed through Damascus, marking what many see as a pivotal moment in Syria’s tumultuous modern history.
The sudden regime change follows years of civil conflict that had seemingly reached a stalemate. Hezbollah, a key Assad ally, was reported to have vacated its positions around Damascus, further isolating the embattled president.
As Syria stands on the brink of a potentially transformative political shift, the world watches and waits to see what future will emerge from the ruins of a long-standing authoritarian system.
