Syrian Rebels Seize Damascus as Assad Flees Amid Swift Advance
BEIRUT — The 50-year rule of the Assad family appears to have come to a dramatic end as opposition forces swept into Damascus early Sunday, prompting reports that President Bashar Assad has fled the country. The swift rebel offensive marks a pivotal moment in Syria’s protracted civil war, reshaping the nation’s political future.
Rami Abdurrahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, confirmed that Assad left Damascus by air, though the government denied these claims. Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali issued a video statement expressing readiness to transition power to a new government, urging citizens to remain calm and avoid defacing public property.
Rebels’ Rapid Gains
The opposition’s lightning advance, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), culminated in the capture of Homs, a strategic city linking Damascus to Assad’s strongholds in Latakia and Tartus. Over the past week, the rebels seized Aleppo, Hama, and large portions of southern Syria with minimal resistance from government forces.
Analysts have called the fall of Homs a “game-changer”, paving the way for the insurgents to breach Damascus. As of Saturday, the Syrian army retained control over only two provincial capitals, highlighting the rapid collapse of Assad’s forces.
Chaos in Damascus
The situation in the capital is dire. Armed residents have been spotted on the outskirts of the city, abandoned army checkpoints litter the streets, and major police stations have been left deserted. Thousands of residents are fleeing toward Lebanon, though the border crossing at Masnaa has been closed, stranding many.
Shops in Damascus are shuttered, and those still open have seen prices for staples like sugar soar to triple their usual levels. “The city is paralyzed,” one resident told The Associated Press.
International Response
The international community is closely watching the developments. The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has called for urgent talks in Geneva to facilitate a peaceful transition of power. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed regret for Syria’s plight, signaling Russia’s diminished support for Assad amid its ongoing war in Ukraine.
Assad’s other key allies have also pulled back. Iran’s regional proxies have been weakened by Israeli airstrikes, and Hezbollah is grappling with its own challenges in Lebanon and conflict with Israel.
President-elect Donald Trump has urged the United States to stay out of Syria, while outgoing President Joe Biden’s administration also signaled no intention to intervene militarily.
What’s Next for Syria?
With Assad reportedly fleeing and opposition forces in control of much of the country, Syria faces an uncertain future. The rebels’ rapid success raises questions about the stability of a post-Assad government and the potential for further regional instability.
The United Nations has begun relocating non-essential personnel from Syria as a precaution. In the coming days, international stakeholders will likely intensify diplomatic efforts to prevent further chaos and address the looming humanitarian crisis.
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