Syrian Rebels Declare Victory as Assad Regime Falls
Reports indicate that Assad fled Damascus for an unknown destination as rebels entered the capital.
Syrian rebels on Sunday announced the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad, marking the end of his 24-year authoritarian rule. This declaration followed a rapid military offensive that saw rebel forces capturing key cities, including Homs and Damascus, in a stunning turn of events that has significant implications for the Middle East and global geopolitics.
“Damascus has been liberated and the tyrant Bashar al-Assad has been overthrown, and oppressed prisoners in regime prisons have been released,” a spokesperson said, reading from a statement on state television on Sunday, surrounded by roughly a dozen other rebels.
“We ask people and fighters to protect all property in Free Syria… long live Syria free for all Syrians of all sects,” he added.
Reports indicate that Assad fled Damascus for an unknown destination as rebels entered the capital.
Eyewitnesses described celebrations in the streets of Homs and Damascus, with thousands chanting in jubilation at the end of Assad’s regime.
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali stated in a recorded message on Sunday morning that the government was prepared to “cooperate with any leadership the people choose.”
“We are ready to collaborate with any leadership selected by the people, offering all possible support to ensure a smooth and orderly transition of government functions, while safeguarding state facilities,” he said.
Jalali also urged Syrians to protect public assets, emphasizing that they belong to all citizens.
Meanwhile, the militant leader of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), the primary group driving the country’s armed opposition, issued a statement urging rebel forces to avoid harming state institutions.
“To all military forces in Damascus, it is strictly prohibited to approach public institutions, which will remain under the control of the former Prime Minister until their official transfer, and firing bullets into the air is also forbidden,” wrote Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, on Telegram.
The rebels earlier claimed to have taken control of the notorious Saydnaya Military Prison north of Damascus.
The offensive began on November 27, with rebels swiftly taking control of Aleppo and Homs. By December 8, they had breached the defences of Damascus, leading to a chaotic retreat by Syrian government forces.
The fall of Assad’s regime represents a seismic shift in Syria’s civil war, which has persisted for over a decade. The rebels’ victory not only disrupts Assad’s control but also threatens Russian and Iranian influence in the region. Analysts suggest that this could encourage other opposition movements across the Middle East and reshape alliances within the region.
U.S. President Joe Biden stated that the White House is closely monitoring the situation and is in contact with regional partners. Ukraine’s foreign ministry noted that the collapse of Assad’s regime illustrates Russia’s inability to sustain conflicts on multiple fronts, particularly in light of its ongoing war in Ukraine.
