Syria has erupted in celebrations following the reported escape of President Bashar al-Assad, signaling the end of his 24-year rule and the Assad family’s 54-year dynasty.
Citizens and rebel fighters have torn down portraits and statues of Assad family across the country, including in the capital Damascus. Regime’s rapid collapse has been likened to a house of cards.
Rebel forces led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have reportedly encircled Damascus and are advancing swiftly towards the city. While Assad government’s fall now seems imminent, unconfirmed reports suggest that Assad has already fled country.
Timeline of Events
- On November 27, HTS, a group that split from Al-Qaeda, launched a surprise offensive against Assad’s forces. Attack caught the regime off guard, forcing a rapid retreat.
- Key cities such as Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, and Hama fell to the rebels in quick succession. Government forces have been losing control of territory ever since.
- By last Thursday, rebel forces entered central Syria and declared control over major urban centers, paving the way for eventual fall of Damascus.
Transitional Power Handover
According to reports from AP and Reuters, Syria’s interim government, led by Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Jalali, set to begin formal process of power transition. Syrian military officials have also reportedly confirmed the collapse of Assad’s rule.
However, conflicting statements have emerged. Assad administration has dismissed reports of his flight as baseless rumors spread by foreign media.
Celebrations and the Aftermath
In videos circulating on social media, Syrians seen tearing down Assad’s portraits and smashing statues in public squares. Many view this as the dawn of a new era after decades of oppression. Assad regime had faced widespread protests in 2011, which were brutally suppressed, leading to a civil war.
The conflict, which began as a peaceful uprising, escalated into a bloody war involving regional and global powers. Over 300,000 people have died in 13-year conflict.
External Factors
The recent shift in power dynamics has influenced by:
- Weakened Support for Assad: Decline of the Lebanese Hezbollah militia and Russia’s focus on the Ukraine war provided rebels an opening.
- Limited Russian Involvement: While Russia had heavily supported Assad in 2015, its resources have been stretched thin in recent years.
Related news: End of 54 Years of Assad Rule in Syria
A Nation Reborn?
Syria now faces the daunting task of rebuilding after years of devastation. The fall of Assad represents a monumental shift, but challenges remain in establishing stability and unity. International community closely watching how this transition unfolds.
