Rebel Forces Take Control of Damascus, Marking the End of Assad's Rule

Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad has reportedly fled the country, marking the end of his 24-year authoritarian rule. According to Reuters and Al Jazeera, Syrian rebels announced that they had captured Damascus following a rapid and unexpected offensive, leaving Assad's regime in disarray.

The fall of Homs, a key strategic city, was a pivotal moment in this breakthrough. Rebels gained control of the city in just one day, severing Assad's connection between Damascus and his coastal Alawite stronghold. Celebrations erupted as Homs residents cheered the withdrawal of Assad’s forces, signaling a significant shift in the balance of power.

Witnesses described scenes of jubilation in Damascus, where thousands gathered in public squares, chanting "Freedom" as they celebrated the end of Assad's rule. A Syrian Air plane, which reportedly flew out of the capital just as rebels took control, further raised suspicions that Assad was fleeing the country. Meanwhile, Hadi al-Bahra, head of Syria's opposition, confirmed that the capital was now "without Bashar al-Assad."

Rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, also captured significant territories around Damascus and began pushing further into the countryside. Despite concerns over the group's Islamist affiliations, rebel leaders, including commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani, assured that they would protect civilians and refrain from reprisals.

The rapid collapse of Assad's regime has sent shockwaves across the region. Neighboring countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Russia, issued a joint statement calling for a political solution to avoid further instability.

This shift comes after years of Assad relying on external support, particularly from Russia and Iran, to combat a growing insurgency. However, the shifting priorities of these allies—particularly Russia’s involvement in the Ukraine war—have left Assad vulnerable to his opponents.

While Syria enters a new phase, questions remain about the future governance of the country and the role of rebel groups in shaping its direction.