In a dramatic turn of events, Syrian rebels have seized control of the capital, Damascus, marking the end of Bashar al-Assad's prolonged rule. The Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a major force behind the offensive, captured several key cities, including Homs and Aleppo, which were former strongholds of the Assad regime. As rebels took over Damascus, President Assad reportedly fled, leaving behind a regime that had lasted over five decades.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed Assad's departure and reported that the offensive began on November 27, leading to a swift capture of strategic locations. In a broadcast, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani announced a peaceful power transition and called on Syrians abroad to return home, promising a new era of freedom. The Syrian Prime Minister, Mohammed al-Dschalali, expressed willingness to cooperate with the rebels to ensure a stable transition and called for free elections.
The takeover has had significant geopolitical repercussions, weakening the influence of Assad's allies, Russia and Iran. Meanwhile, regional powers like Turkey are adjusting to the new dynamics, with concerns over rising extremism and the future of Syria's diverse communities.
Despite the initial jubilation, the future remains uncertain. Various rebel groups have conflicting goals, which could lead to internal strife. Additionally, parts of the Syrian army continue to resist, particularly around Hama and Daraa. The humanitarian crisis remains severe, with millions displaced and over 300,000 civilians killed during the civil war that began in 2011.
The international community watches closely, as the fall of Assad may reshape the region's political landscape and influence global strategies regarding the Middle East.
