Damascus (TDI): Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year authoritarian regime has reportedly come to a dramatic end, with the country’s military command informing officers that Assad’s rule is over.
This follows a swift and surprising rebel offensive, culminating in the capture of Damascus.
Rebel forces declared the capital “free of Assad” and are expected to make their first address to the nation via state television, according to Reuters.
The president is said to have fled Damascus to an undisclosed destination earlier today, as confirmed by senior military officers.
Reports suggest a Syrian Air flight left the capital shortly before rebel forces entered the city, with its trajectory abruptly changing before vanishing from tracking systems.
Celebrations erupted across Damascus, with thousands gathering in public squares to chant “Freedom” and “Down with Assad.”
Similar scenes were reported in Homs, a strategic city now under full rebel control after swift victories in recent days.
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Rebels have also freed detainees from Homs’ prisons, and security forces were seen retreating in haste, destroying documents before their departure.
Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali expressed readiness to support governance continuity and cooperate with leadership chosen by the people.
This development marks a seismic shift in the Middle East, dealing a blow to Assad’s allies—Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah—who had supported him during Syria’s prolonged civil war.
While the fall of Assad’s regime is seen as a setback for Tehran and Moscow, concerns arise about the Islamist factions among the rebels potentially shaping Syria’s future governance.
The U.S. administration is closely monitoring the unfolding situation, with President Joe Biden’s team engaging regional allies. Israel, a long-time adversary of Iran, has reacted cautiously, viewing the end of Assad’s regime as a weakening of Tehran’s influence but expressing concern over the rise of Islamist groups.
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Rebel commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani described the capture of Homs as historic, urging restraint toward those surrendering.
The fall of Homs and rapid territorial gains around Damascus sever key links between the capital and Assad’s coastal Alawite stronghold, where Russia maintains a military presence.
As the regime collapses, a new chapter begins for Syria, with its future governance hanging in balance amid jubilant celebrations of a long-sought freedom.
