Damascus: The Syrian army command has reportedly informed its officers that President Bashar al-Assad’s rule has ended, following a swift rebel offensive. International news agency Reuters reported that a Syrian officer confirmed the development to the media, stating that the army’s decision came as rebels advanced into the capital, Damascus.
Rebel forces declared Damascus “now free of Assad” as celebrations erupted in the city. Thousands gathered in a central square, chanting “Freedom” and waving flags, according to witnesses.
Assad Flees Damascus Amid Uncertainty
Reports indicate that President Assad departed Damascus on Sunday for an undisclosed location. Two senior army officers stated that the capital showed no signs of army deployments as rebel forces moved in. A Syrian Air aircraft reportedly departed from Damascus airport around the time of the rebel entry. Flight tracking data revealed that the plane initially headed towards Syria’s coastal region, a stronghold of Assad’s Alawite sect, but then abruptly reversed course before disappearing from radar. The passengers’ identities remain unconfirmed.
Hadi al-Bahra, head of Syria’s main opposition group abroad, declared Damascus “without Bashar al-Assad” on Sunday.
Rebels Seize Homs, Strengthen Position
Earlier, rebel forces announced the capture of Homs, a critical city, marking a significant blow to Assad’s regime. Thousands of residents flooded the streets in celebration, chanting slogans like “Assad is gone, Homs is free.” Rebels fired celebratory gunshots, tore down Assad’s portraits, and freed detainees from Homs’ prisons as security forces hastily withdrew.
The fall of Homs grants the rebels control of Syria’s strategic heartland and severs the capital’s connection to the Alawite coastal regions. This victory symbolizes the rebels’ resurgence after years of attritional warfare. Rebel commander Hassan Abdul Ghani announced ongoing operations to secure the countryside surrounding Damascus.
In Damascus suburbs, statues of Assad’s father, Hafez al-Assad, were toppled as rebels expanded control over the southwest region.
Regional and International Implications
The rapid pace of events has sent shockwaves through Arab capitals and international communities. A joint statement by Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Turkey, and Russia expressed concern over the “dangerous development” and urged a political resolution.
Syria’s civil war, which began in 2011, has drawn in international powers, displaced millions, and created opportunities for extremist groups to thrive. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the dominant rebel faction, is regarded as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and others. Its leader, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, pledged not to harm those who surrender and sought to assure minorities and the international community of his intentions.
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, when asked about Golani’s assurances, responded, “The proof of the pudding is in the eating.”
Eroding Support for Assad
Assad’s reliance on allies like Russia and Iran has been critical in suppressing the rebellion. However, Russia’s focus on the Ukraine war and Hezbollah’s losses in its conflict with Israel have weakened their ability to bolster Assad’s forces.
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Meanwhile, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has stated that the U.S. should not involve itself in the conflict, opting instead to “let it play out.”
