Rebel forces in Syria have reportedly made significant advances, claiming to have taken control of four cities in just 24 hours. In a surprising shift, forces opposing President Bashar al-Assad’s regime have moved into the capital, Damascus. This escalation comes just over a week after the insurgents launched a rapid offensive that left Assad’s government struggling to maintain its hold.
The Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) announced early Sunday that they have liberated Damascus, declaring the end of Assad’s rule in the city. Independent verification of this claim is still pending, but social media posts appear to show Syrian troops abandoning their posts amid the chaos. There are also reports of military surrenders in various locations across the country.
HTS claims that its forces have now reached Sednaya prison, infamously labeled “the human slaughterhouse” by human rights organizations due to the alleged abuses inside. They framed the operation as a step towards justice, stating, “This is the end of the era of injustice of Sednaya prison.”
In response to the upheaval, Syrian Prime Minister Ghazi al-Jalali released a video expressing the government’s willingness to engage with the opposition, indicating a possible readiness for a transition of power. Rebel leaders have advised their fighters to refrain from storming government sites, signaling a desire to maintain peace and facilitate a formal handover.
Notably, U.S. officials, including President Biden, are closely monitoring the situation. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan pointed to decreased support from Assad’s key allies—Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah—as a factor in the rebel’s rapid advances. Sullivan emphasized that Assad’s forces are now vulnerable and lacking in support.
In just the past day, insurgents reportedly captured Homs, Daraa, Quneitra, and Sweida with minimal resistance from government forces. The Syrian army’s withdrawal from significant southern regions has led to increased control for the rebels, who now have expanded their influence in areas previously held by the government.
As for the future governance of Syria, questions loom regarding HTS’s potential direction, especially in light of its past affiliations with al-Qaida. Experts are considering whether the group will adopt a hardline Islamist approach akin to the Taliban or attempt a more moderate governance style.
The rapid shifts in power pose a remarkable challenge for Assad’s allies, notably Iran and Russia. As the situation unfolds, the dynamics within the region could evolve swiftly, necessitating continued international attention and analysis.
With international observers assessing the situation, there remains a glimmer of hope that the current turmoil could lead to a new chapter for Syria, potentially paving the way for peace and a more representative government. This could serve as an opportunity for the Syrian people to rebuild after years of civil war and unrest.