Syrian rebels announced on Sunday that President Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year rule has come to an end after they captured Damascus in a swift and surprising offensive.
State television broadcast the news, and celebrations erupted across the capital as thousands gathered, chanting “Freedom” after decades of the Assad family’s rule. Witnesses reported joyful crowds in central Damascus waving flags and cheering.
Assad fled the city earlier on Sunday, according to senior military sources. A plane linked to his departure disappeared from radar, sparking speculation about his fate.
This development marks a turning point in Syria’s 13-year conflict, which has devastated the country, killed hundreds of thousands, and forced millions to flee.
The rebel coalition, led by the powerful Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has taken control of western Syria, including the city of Homs. The fall of Homs is a major symbolic victory for the rebels, as the city endured years of destruction during the war.
HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has pledged to ensure an orderly transition of power, aiming to avoid chaos like that seen in Iraq after Saddam Hussein’s fall. However, some Syrians fear the group may impose strict rule or take revenge against Assad supporters.
World leaders are closely monitoring the situation. The U.S. and European governments are considering how to approach the new leadership, particularly given HTS’s controversial history as a former Al Qaeda affiliate.
Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali expressed readiness to support governance continuity, while Kurdish leader Mazloum Abdi called for a new Syria based on democracy and justice.
While the fall of Assad’s regime is being celebrated, the road ahead is uncertain. Stabilizing the country and rebuilding war-torn areas will require international support, and the rebels face the challenge of gaining legitimacy on the global stage.
