In a startling development, the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad seems to have collapsed after a swift advance by rebel forces into the capital, Damascus. This marked a significant turning point just ten days after insurgents had begun their assault.
On Sunday morning, the rebel command of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) declared that President Assad had vacated the capital, stating, “We declare the city of Damascus free of the tyrant Bashar al-Assad.” In parallel, the Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that Assad had opted to leave his presidential role, reportedly issuing orders for a peaceful transfer of power. His exact whereabouts remain undisclosed.
Social media has been abuzz with footage of Syrian government forces retreating and surrendering, while reports indicated significant troop losses in other regions. The rebels celebrated their success in taking control of key sites, including the infamous Sednaya prison, often referred to as a “human slaughterhouse.”
Following the capture of four cities within just 24 hours—including Homs, Daraa, Quneitra, and Sweida—the HTS acknowledged the complete takeover of these areas with little resistance from government troops. Despite initial denials from the Syrian government regarding Assad’s departure, the rapid territorial losses have raised questions about the regime’s future.
The U.S. has reacted cautiously, with President Biden reportedly monitoring the situation closely. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan noted that the rapid rebel offensive stemmed from the weakening of Assad’s allies, particularly Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah.
As rebel forces increase their foothold, the prospect of negotiating governance remains uncertain. The HTS, historically linked to al-Qaida, has attempted to reshape its image, focusing on governance rather than global jihadism. The future direction of Syrian leadership raises vital questions about political stability and the potential impact on neighboring countries.
This historic shift in Syria’s power dynamics underscores a broader narrative in Middle Eastern geopolitics, suggesting potential changes in alliances and the continuation of instability in the region. The focus remains on how the opposition will manage governance should they assert authority over the Syrian state.
In light of these developments, it is a moment of hope for many who yearn for change in Syria. The potential for a newly established governance structure free of tyranny could pave the way for a more inclusive and democratic Syria, although the path forward will undoubtedly be fraught with challenges.
Summary:
The Assad regime in Syria appears to have collapsed following a rapid advance by rebel forces into Damascus. Rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has declared the city free of Assad, whose whereabouts are currently unknown. The situation has resulted in celebrations among anti-government fighters and raised significant questions about the future governance of Syria as power dynamics shift in the region. The international community is closely watching these developments, with hopes for a new phase in Syrian politics.