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DAMASCUS — In a dramatic turn of events, the Syrian government collapsed early Sunday morning as a swift rebel assault gained control of Damascus. This unexpected development marked the end of the Assad family’s reign, which has lasted for five decades, inspiring locals to take to the streets in celebration.
State television broadcast a video from a group of rebels announcing that President Bashar Assad had been ousted and that all prisoners held in government detention were being released. A representative from the rebel coalition, named the Operations Room to Conquer Damascus, urged all fighters and citizens to work together to safeguard the institutions of the newly declared “free Syrian state.”
The announcement followed reports from a Syrian opposition-monitoring group indicating that Assad had fled the country, seeking refuge in an undisclosed location as insurgents reportedly advanced into the capital after a stunningly rapid progression across Syria.
Many residents of Damascus were left stunned by the abrupt shift in power, considering that Assad had maintained authority amid civil conflict for almost 14 years. As dawn broke, crowds gathered in mosques and public squares, chanting prayers of gratitude and anti-Assad slogans while celebrating their newfound hope in the streets.
Young men in the area picked up weapons left behind by security forces, firing them into the air. With soldiers and police officers abandoning their posts, looters invaded the Ministry of Defense amid chaotic scenes. Footage emerging from the capital showed families exploring the presidential palace, some leaving with household items.
“I spent the night awake, eager to hear news of his downfall,” stated 44-year-old Mohammed Amer Al-Oulabi, an electricity worker. “From Idlib to Damascus, it took the opposition forces just a few days, thank God. May God bless the brave heroes who made us proud.”
Following the upheaval, some organizations that were previously aligned with Assad’s regime began to distance themselves from his government. Syria’s al-Watan newspaper, once supportive of the government, reflected on a changing Syria, expressing gratitude for avoiding further bloodshed and affirming a future for all Syrians.
The newspaper emphasized that media personnel should not face blame for relaying government directives, indicating a recognition of the past’s false narratives. “We simply followed orders and broadcast the news sent to us,” it remarked.
A statement from the Alawite sect, the group to which Assad belongs, advocated for unity and urged younger generations to remain calm and rational, avoiding divisive actions. “We have always been champions of peace and unity,” it said, calling for dialogue and reason in the face of turmoil.
In a video statement, Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali declared the government’s willingness to collaborate with the opposition, hinting at a potential transition of power. He mentioned that communication with Assad had ceased after Saturday evening.
According to Rami Abdurrahman of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Assad departed from Damascus via flight on Sunday. Iranian state television, reflecting on his departure, corroborated reports that he had left the capital but provided no specific details.
The opposition had not entered the capital since 2018, when government forces regained lost territories. Just the night before, opposition forces captured the pivotal city of Homs, leading to the surrender of government troops. Homs serves as a crucial junction between Damascus and Syria’s coastal regions, which back Assad’s government and are home to a Russian naval base.
The rapid recent advances by the opposition, led by groups with roots in al-Qaida, are the most significant in years. The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has encountered minimal resistance from the Syrian army while pushing to overthrow the Assad regime. Once controlling much of northwest Syria, HTS established a “salvation government” in 2017 to handle local administration.
In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has attempted to reshape his group’s reputation, moving away from al-Qaida ties and promoting a message of pluralism and tolerance.
“Dareen Khalifa, an advisor with the International Crisis Group, noted that Golani’s leadership heralds hope for many Syrians but cautions that the rebels face significant challenges ahead. There is a hopeful anticipation that they will rise to meet this crucial moment.”
Geir Pedersen, the U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, called for immediate discussions in Geneva to facilitate a “peaceful transition.” He highlighted the rapidly changing environment in Syria during remarks at a conference in Qatar. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed sorrow for the Syrian populace’s plight.
In response to the ongoing crisis, the Israeli military reported the deployment of troops to a buffer zone along its northern border with Syria, aimed at bolstering security in the Golan Heights region under its control.
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