In a dramatic turn of events, the Assad regime collapsed early Sunday, marking the end of the 50-year reign of the Assad family after a rapid rebel offensive swept across Syria and entered the capital, Damascus, in just 10 days.
Syrian state television broadcast a video statement from opposition forces declaring President Bashar Assad’s overthrow. The video showed a group of men announcing the liberation of all detainees and urging citizens to preserve the state institutions of a “free Syrian state.”
Assad Flees Amid Rapid Rebel Advances
Hours before the announcement, reports emerged that Assad had fled Damascus. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that Assad boarded a flight to an undisclosed location as opposition fighters breached the capital. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali issued a statement calling for a peaceful transition to a new government, urging Syrians to refrain from damaging public property.
In a video message, Jalali said, “I am in my house and have not left. I belong to this country.” However, he did not address Assad’s whereabouts, further fueling speculation about the deposed president’s escape.
Celebrations and Chaos in Damascus
As news of Assad’s fall spread, jubilant Syrians gathered in Damascus to celebrate. Crowds chanted anti-Assad slogans, honked car horns, and fired celebratory gunshots into the air. At the same time, looters ransacked government buildings, and soldiers abandoned their posts, leaving the streets in disarray.
“My feelings are indescribable,” said Omar Daher, a Damascus resident whose father was killed by Assad’s forces. “He and his father made us live in fear for years. I can’t believe this day has come.”
Rebels Seize Key Cities and Institutions
The fall of Damascus followed a swift and decisive campaign by opposition forces. Starting on November 27, the rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), captured major cities including Aleppo, Homs, and Hama. On Saturday, they stormed the notorious Saydnaya prison north of Damascus, releasing scores of political prisoners.
The capture of Homs, a strategic intersection between Damascus and Assad’s coastal strongholds, proved to be a turning point. Analysts described the city’s fall as a “game-changer” in the long-running conflict.
International Reactions and Uncertainty
The Assad regime’s collapse has drawn mixed reactions from global powers. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed sympathy for the Syrian people but declined to speculate on Assad’s future. Meanwhile, Qatar’s top diplomat criticized Assad for squandering opportunities to reconcile with his people during the conflict’s quieter years.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump reiterated his stance of non-intervention, posting on social media, “This is not our fight.” Outgoing President Joe Biden’s administration similarly indicated no plans for involvement.
The United Nations called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an orderly political transition, emphasizing the need to implement the roadmap outlined in U.N. Resolution 2254.
What Lies Ahead for Syria
With Damascus under opposition control, the next steps remain uncertain. HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has pledged to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance, but the group’s origins as an al-Qaida affiliate raise concerns about its long-term intentions.
As Syrians celebrate the end of decades-long Assad rule, the focus shifts to stabilizing the nation and rebuilding its institutions. However, with major cities in ruins and millions displaced, the road to recovery is likely to be long and arduous.
