In a dramatic turn of events, Syria has been declared “free from Assad” by rebel commanders after their forces, led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), captured the capital city of Damascus. President Bashar al-Assad has reportedly fled the city following the fall of key government strongholds. This marks a significant milestone in the 13-year-long civil war that has devastated the country.

Key Developments in Damascus:

  1. Rebels Take Control of Damascus:
    • Damascus, the nerve center of the Assad regime, is now under the control of HTS-led rebel groups.
    • Government buildings, including the Ministry of Defense and the state-run Radio and Television Center, have been seized by the rebels.
    • Public squares across Damascus are witnessing celebrations, with chants of “Freedom” echoing through the streets.
  2. Assad Flees Amid Heavy Violence:
    • Rebel commanders announced that Assad fled the city late last night as his forces faced relentless attacks from the opposition.
    • Rebel leaders called this “the end of 50 years of oppression and over a decade of tyranny, war crimes, and displacement.”
  3. Celebrations Across Damascus:
    • Thousands have taken to the streets to celebrate the fall of the Assad regime, waving Syrian opposition flags and firing celebratory shots into the air.

Broader Context:

  • Fall of Aleppo: Before the dramatic capture of Damascus, rebel groups had recently taken control of Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city. The fall of Aleppo was a crucial precursor to this week’s events in Damascus.
  • Assad’s Diminished Allies: Assad’s primary supporters, Russia and Iran, are currently entangled in their respective international conflicts, leaving him increasingly isolated. This has allowed opposition forces to advance rapidly.
  • Impact of Civil War:
    • The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, has claimed the lives of over 500,000 people and displaced millions, leaving much of the country in ruins.
    • Damascus’s fall raises questions about the future governance of Syria, with concerns over potential chaos or the rise of extremist factions.

Public Reaction:

The streets of Damascus are filled with both hope and apprehension. While many Syrians celebrate what they see as a new beginning, others worry about what lies ahead for a country torn apart by years of war. Rebel leaders have promised a transition towards democratic governance, but the absence of a unified political plan has raised concerns internationally.

International Response:

Global powers have reacted cautiously to the developments in Syria. Western nations have welcomed the fall of the Assad regime but have called for a peaceful transition of power to avoid further violence. The United Nations has urged all parties to prioritize humanitarian aid and begin negotiations for a stable government.

Conclusion:

Syria stands at a historic crossroads. The fall of Assad’s regime represents the culmination of years of resistance but also marks the beginning of a complex rebuilding process. The international community and Syrian leaders must now work together to ensure the country moves towards peace and stability, avoiding further devastation.