In a stunning turn of events, Islamist-led rebels have claimed control of Damascus, declaring the Syrian capital free from President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in what they called a “lightning offensive.” The announcement signals a dramatic end to more than 50 years of Baath Party rule and 13 years of brutal civil war that reshaped Syria and the region.
Residents were seen celebrating in the streets, toppling statues of the Assad family and chanting slogans of liberation. Rebel leaders, spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), announced their victory via social media, saying:
“After 50 years of oppression and 13 years of tyranny and displacement, we declare the city of Damascus free. A new era begins for Syria.”
Assad Reportedly Flees as Rebel Momentum Surges
The fall of Damascus follows HTS’s swift capture of Homs, a critical city 85 miles north of the capital, just hours earlier. Reports suggest that Assad fled the country through Damascus International Airport alongside high-ranking military and government officials. Sources close to Hezbollah confirmed the withdrawal of its fighters, a key ally of Assad, from the capital and surrounding regions.
Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, stated:
“Assad left Syria before the army abandoned its positions. It marks the symbolic collapse of regime control.”
In another symbolic move, rebels stormed the infamous Sednaya prison, releasing thousands of detainees in what they hailed as an “end to the era of tyranny.”
Scenes of Celebration and Chaos
While Damascus erupted in celebrations, the sudden regime collapse also sparked panic in some quarters. Long queues formed at ATMs and grocery stores as residents braced for uncertainty. Meanwhile, in rebel-occupied areas, statues of Hafez al-Assad, Bashar’s father and predecessor, were torn down.
In Homs and Hama, images showed abandoned tanks and burning armored vehicles as government forces fled. Local residents expressed their elation. Kharfan Mansour, a resident of Hama, said:
“I am happy to see the liberation of Hama and Syria from the Assad regime.”
Regional and International Reactions
The rapid developments have drawn mixed reactions from global and regional powers. Jordan, the United States, and Russia have urged their citizens to leave Syria immediately, citing security concerns.
The United Nations reported that over 370,000 people have been displaced in recent weeks, as the rebel advance reignited the long-dormant conflict. UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen called for “urgent political talks” to stabilize the situation and implement a long-neglected roadmap for peace.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov condemned the rebel takeover, calling it “inadmissible to allow a terrorist group to control Syrian territory.” Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stressed the need for a swift resolution, stating:
“Syria is tired of war, blood, and tears. This must end.”
The Future of Syria Hangs in the Balance
As the Assad era appears to come to a close, questions loom about what comes next for Syria. HTS, rooted in Al-Qaeda and previously labeled a terrorist organization, has sought to rebrand itself as a political force, promising to respect minority rights. However, skepticism remains high among both Syrians and the international community.
Observers warn that the power vacuum could lead to further instability. The United Nations and key players like Turkey, Iran, and Russia are expected to intensify diplomatic efforts to shape Syria’s future.
For now, the fall of Damascus marks the end of an era—and the beginning of an uncertain chapter for a war-ravaged nation.
