In a dramatic turn of events, Islamist-led rebel factions have declared the fall of Damascus and the end of President Bashar al-Assad’s rule in Syria, marking the conclusion of over 50 years of Baath Party dominance. The announcement on Sunday came following a swift rebel offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), forcing Assad to flee the capital.
“After 50 years of oppression under Baath rule, and 13 years of crimes, tyranny, and forced displacement, we announce today the end of this dark period and the start of a new era for Syria,” the rebels proclaimed via Telegram.
Residents of Damascus took to the streets in celebration. In Umayyad Square, the atmosphere was jubilant as people waved flags and chanted slogans of liberation. A resident in Hama, another recently captured city, expressed his elation: “We are happy with the liberation of Hama and the freedom of Syria from the Assad regime.”
Amid reports of Assad’s departure, Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali signaled readiness to cooperate with any government chosen by the Syrian people. “This country can be a normal nation that builds good relations with its neighbors and the world,” Jalali said in a live-streamed statement.
The rapid fall of Damascus follows HTS’s capture of Homs, a strategic city 140 kilometers north of the capital, just hours earlier. Rebel fighters also reportedly liberated the notorious Sednaya prison, known for its brutal conditions and alleged human rights abuses under Assad’s regime.
While the Syrian defense ministry initially denied the rebels’ advances, reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that Assad left the country via Damascus International Airport before security forces abandoned their positions.
The international community has responded cautiously. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump stated that the United States should “not get involved,” while UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen urged immediate political dialogue to stabilize the region.
