Breaking: Rebels Capture Damascus, Declare End of Assad’s Rule

Islamist-led rebel forces declared a significant victory in Syria on Sunday, announcing that they had taken control of Damascus in a rapid offensive that forced President Bashar al-Assad to flee, marking the end of over five decades of Baath party rule in the country. Reports from the capital indicated that locals were celebrating in the streets as the rebels declared the city “free” and celebrated the departure of Assad, whom they called a “tyrant.”

This turn of events came just days after the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group launched a wide-ranging offensive that challenged Assad’s regime, which has been in power for more than 50 years. The rebel factions issued a statement on Telegram, declaring the end of the era of Assad’s “oppression” and “crimes,” and spoke of a new era for Syria.

Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali expressed readiness to work with any new leadership chosen by the Syrian people, signaling a shift in allegiance. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that Assad had fled via Damascus International Airport, with reports also indicating that Hezbollah, a key ally of Assad, had withdrawn their fighters from the capital region.

The rebels claimed victory in multiple strategic locations, including the notorious Sednaya prison, known for its human rights abuses under Assad’s regime. The rapid advances followed HTS’s capture of Homs, a key city 140 kilometers from Damascus, which had previously been declared “stable” by the government.

While the situation remains fluid, there are reports of unrest and panic in the capital, with traffic jams, long lines at ATMs, and protests in Damascus suburbs. Meanwhile, the government’s hold in other regions, including the south and areas near the Golan Heights, is reported to be weakening, with military forces retreating and local fighters taking up positions to protect vital infrastructure.

The ongoing conflict has caused significant casualties, with over 800 people killed, including civilians, and displacing hundreds of thousands. International calls for political dialogue and a resolution to the conflict are intensifying, with various foreign powers, including Russia, Iran, and Turkey, expressing their views on the future of Syria. The violence and upheaval continue to have profound effects on the region, as the world watches closely.