Scypre.com – In a dramatic culmination of Syria’s long and bloody conflict, the Assad family’s 54-year reign came to a stunning end as rebel forces seized the capital, Damascus, early Sunday morning. The rapid advance, led by the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), marks a significant turning point in the country’s history.
Hassan Abdul-Ghani, a senior commander of HTS, announced the victory via a WhatsApp message, heralding a new era for Syria. “We declare the city of Damascus free from the tyrant Bashar al-Assad,” he proclaimed. “To the displaced people around the world, Free Syria awaits you.”
The fall of Damascus came after a lightning-fast campaign across the country, with HTS forces capturing major cities such as Aleppo, Homs, and Daraa in less than two weeks. The group also claimed responsibility for liberating detainees from the notorious Sednaya Prison, where thousands had reportedly been held under brutal conditions.
Bashar al-Assad, who had ruled Syria for 24 years, fled the country. This was confirmed by Russia, Assad’s staunch ally throughout the civil war. In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said, “As a result of negotiations… [Assad] decided to leave the presidential post and left the country, giving instructions to transfer power peacefully.”
The exact whereabouts of the former president remain unknown. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ghazi al-Jalali assured Syrians of a peaceful transition, stating his commitment to maintaining the stability of public institutions.
Global leaders reacted swiftly to the seismic events in Syria. U.S. President Joe Biden closely monitored the situation, with the White House affirming communication with regional allies. President-elect Donald Trump, however, made his position clear, stating on Truth Social, “This is not our fight. Let it play out.”
Israel, concerned about the unfolding instability, fortified its positions in the Golan Heights, emphasizing its non-involvement in Syria’s internal affairs. The Israel Defense Forces announced on X, “We are ensuring the safety of our citizens but remain uninvolved in Syria’s events.”
The takeover of Damascus followed HTS’s capture of Homs, Daraa, and Aleppo, leaving Syria’s government forces in disarray. Notably, Aleppo’s fall marked the first significant rebel advance there since 2016, when Assad regained control with substantial support from Russian airstrikes.
The fall of the capital underscored the weakening grip of Assad’s international backers, including Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah. HTS, once considered a fragmented rebel faction, has emerged as a formidable force, employing advanced weaponry and strategic coordination to dismantle regime defenses.
HTS originated from Jabhat al-Nusra, an Al Qaeda affiliate, and is classified as a terrorist organization by both the United States and the United Nations. Despite this designation, the group has sought to present itself as a legitimate opposition force, working to unite disparate rebel factions against Assad.
Since the Syrian civil war began in 2011, the conflict has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions. While a 2020 ceasefire temporarily stabilized the country, HTS’s recent victories demonstrate the fragile nature of the regime’s hold over Syria.
The collapse of the Assad regime leaves Syria at a crossroads. The international community faces a complex challenge in addressing the power vacuum and ensuring stability in a nation torn apart by more than a decade of war. For displaced Syrians, the fall of Damascus brings hope for a return to their homeland, though the road to peace remains uncertain.