In a stunning turn, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad appears to have fled Damascus as rebel forces advanced into the city, marking a significant defeat for his regime.
Early Sunday morning, Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, leader of the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), declared victory in Hama, announcing, “We declare the city of Damascus free of the tyrant Bashar al-Assad.”
The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that Assad “decided to leave the presidential post and left the country,” issuing orders for a peaceful transfer of power. The whereabouts of Assad remain unknown.
The collapse of Assad’s government ends a 24-year rule that began when he succeeded his father, Hafez al-Assad, in 2000. Tensions had escalated as opposition fighters launched a surprise offensive, taking four cities within 24 hours, including the strategic city of Homs, before advancing towards the capital.
As the situation escalated, HTS claimed to have captured key locations including Hama central prison, releasing inmates amid fierce clashes with government forces. Videos shared online showed Syrian troops abandoning their positions in response to the rebels’ advance.
Earlier reports revealed that the Syrian military had been sending reinforcements following the fall of Aleppo but were ultimately unable to maintain control over Hama. The town is significant as it lies just south of the capital and represents a critical point in controlling the surrounding region.
In his address, Assad accused the opposition of being sympathizers of North Korea while asserting that the country would continue to counter “terrorists and their supporters.” Amid the chaos, his government has relied heavily on Russian and Iranian assistance, but recent geopolitical distractions have left Assad vulnerable.
Since the war began in 2011, over 3,700 Palestinians have been killed, coupled with reports of significant civilian casualties resulting from ongoing military operations. The humanitarian crisis continues to unfold, leading to further unrest.
As discussions surrounding military aid and international support intensify, the rebels’ swift advance suggests that Assad’s position may be further weakened. The consequences of this power shift remain uncertain and could have far-reaching implications for the future governance of Syria.
With both Iran and Russia preoccupied in their own conflicts, it appears Assad may face an uphill battle to regain control, as the sudden surge in opposition strength raises questions about the survival of his regime. Discussions and negotiations among various factions will come into play as the Syrian conflict takes another pivotal turn.
Credit: ABC News
