The joy of the Syrian people at the exhibition
On Sunday, Syrian rebel forces declared the end of President Bashar al-Assad’s reign after seizing control of Damascus, effectively ending over 13 years of brutal civil war and more than five decades of Assad family dominance. This seismic development has upended the balance of power in the region, undermining key allies Russia and Iran, who had supported Assad throughout the conflict.
In a message to military personnel, Syria's army command confirmed the collapse of Assad's regime, according to sources. However, the military claimed to be continuing operations against “terrorist groups” in strategic areas such as Hama, Homs, and Deraa. Assad himself reportedly fled Damascus earlier in the day to an undisclosed location, with speculation surrounding his whereabouts after his sudden departure.
The rebel coalition celebrated their victory, releasing a statement proclaiming the liberation of prisoners and the end of "injustice" at Sednaya prison, a site infamous for detaining thousands under Assad's regime. Crowds gathered in Damascus’s main squares, chanting “Freedom” and celebrating the fall of decades-long autocratic rule.
Shifting Power Dynamics
The rebels announced plans to transition power to a governing body with full executive authority, emphasizing a new era of rebuilding Syria. This marks a turning point for a nation devastated by years of war that have claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, displaced millions, and left much of the country in ruins.
A major player in the rebels’ advance is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group with roots in al-Qaeda. Led by Abu Mohammed al-Golani, HTS has sought to distance itself from its jihadist past, signaling its intent for an orderly transition of power. Golani aims to avoid the chaos that engulfed Iraq following Saddam Hussein's ouster, experts say, as rebuilding efforts will likely depend on Western support and the lifting of sanctions.
However, HTS’s prominence raises concerns about potential Islamist rule and reprisals, with regional powers such as the UAE and Egypt expressing apprehension over extremist influence. Diplomatic advisor Anwar Gargash stated that combating extremism remains a priority for the UAE.
Assad’s Fate and Regional Implications
Speculation over Assad’s fate intensified after a Syrian Air flight departed Damascus during the rebel takeover. The aircraft’s sudden course change and subsequent disappearance from radar have fueled rumors of a possible plane crash. Assad’s absence further compounds uncertainty as Syria braces for the next chapter in its history.
Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali called for free elections to determine Syria’s future leadership. He confirmed contact with HTS leader Golani to discuss managing the transitional phase, underscoring the challenges of uniting a fractured nation.
For decades, Assad relied on the support of Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah to maintain power. With those alliances weakened by external crises, his regime’s collapse represents a significant geopolitical shift. While Israel may welcome the loss of a key Iranian ally, concerns linger over the rise of Islamist governance in Damascus.
Scenes of Liberation
Across Syria, jubilant celebrations erupted as cities like Homs marked their freedom from Assad's rule. Rebels freed thousands of detainees, while security forces abandoned their posts, leaving behind burning documents. Witnesses described euphoric scenes as citizens tore down symbols of Assad's reign, heralding a new era for the war-torn nation.
The fall of Damascus underscores the fragile dynamics of power in the Middle East and the uncertain road ahead for Syria.
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