On Sunday, 8 December 2024, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime appeared to have collapsed after a swift offensive by rebel forces.
Assad was reportedly seen fleeing Damascus aboard a plane, according to multiple sources, including two senior Syrian military officers and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The Syrian army has confirmed the end of Assad’s 24-year rule.
The fall of the Syrian capital comes after intense fighting in Homs, where rebels declared complete control of the city in just one day.
Thousands of Syrians poured into the streets to celebrate, chanting for freedom and the end of Assad’s rule.
In Damascus, crowds gathered in a central square, while in Homs, celebrations erupted with chants of “Assad is gone, Homs is free.”
In an announcement, the rebels stated they were continuing efforts to establish a transitional government in Syria, marking the shift from opposition to state-building.
“The great Syrian revolution has moved from the stage of struggle to overthrow the Assad regime to the struggle to build a Syria together that befits the sacrifices of its people,” a statement from the rebel coalition declared.
Earlier, Syria’s prime minister, Mohammad Ghazi al Jalali, who remained in Damascus, stated his readiness for a peaceful transition of power but refrained from commenting on Assad’s reported flight.
The conflict, which has raged for years, has caused profound divisions within Syria. As Assad’s forces lost control of key areas, including the capital, reports emerged of looting and widespread celebrations in former government strongholds.
In addition to the fall of Homs and Damascus, rebels also claimed victory in other cities like Deir el-Zor and Deraa.
Celebrations were marred by signs of instability. Gunfire was heard in central Damascus, though the source was unclear, and some protests in the capital targeted statues of Assad’s father, Hafez al-Assad.
The situation has raised concerns about what comes next for Syria, with various rebel factions vying for power and the risk of further fragmentation.
Rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the main opposition group that has been instrumental in the recent offensive, have pledged to respect those who surrender, offering assurances that those laying down arms would not be harmed.
However, the path forward remains uncertain, with fear of further civil conflict and the difficulty of transitioning power in a deeply divided nation.
International reactions to Assad’s fall have varied. U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration has expressed concern but reaffirmed its commitment to countering ISIS in the region.
President-elect Donald Trump, on social media, described Syria as a “mess” and distanced the U.S. from further involvement.
Meanwhile, Russia and Iran, Assad’s key allies, have signaled their diminished support as they face pressures from other global conflicts.
Despite the celebrations, the future of Syria remains precarious.
As the country emerges from decades of brutal authoritarian rule, questions remain about the rebuilding process and the role of various rebel factions in establishing a stable government.
The international community, including the United Nations, is calling for dialogue and respect for human rights as Syria enters a critical phase of its history.
