Syrian Rebels Declare Assad’s Rule Over Amid Dramatic Offensive

Sunday 08 December 2024 - 08:30

By: Dakir Madiha

Syrian Rebels Declare Assad’s Rule Over Amid Dramatic Offensive

In a stunning development, Syrian rebels, led by radical Islamist factions, declared the fall of President Bashar al-Assad and the "liberation" of Damascus on Syrian state television. The announcement marked the end of over five decades of Assad family rule, culminating in a swift offensive that has reshaped the political landscape of the war-torn country.

Celebrations Erupt in Damascus

Dozens gathered in the heart of Damascus to celebrate the regime’s collapse, toppling and stomping on a statue of Hafez al-Assad, the father of Bashar, who ruled Syria from 1971 until his death in 2000. Videos from the scene showed jubilant crowds on the iconic Umayyad Square, where celebratory gunfire mingled with cries of “Allahu Akbar” (God is Great).

“We’ve waited for this day for so long,” said Amer Batha, speaking to AFP by phone from the square. “I can’t believe I’m witnessing this moment,” he said tearfully, adding, “This is the beginning of a new chapter for Syria.”

Rebels Announce Victory

On state television, rebels proclaimed the downfall of the "tyrant" Bashar al-Assad and declared Damascus "free." They claimed to have released all unjustly imprisoned detainees and urged the preservation of state property under a "free Syrian state."

Earlier on Telegram, the rebels announced Assad's "escape," declaring Damascus a liberated city. Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, reported that Assad fled via Damascus International Airport before security forces abandoned the site.

The whereabouts of Assad, who ruled Syria with an iron grip for 24 years, remain unconfirmed. His regime's violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests in 2011 escalated into one of the 21st century's deadliest civil wars.

International Reactions

The White House stated that U.S. President Joe Biden is closely monitoring the "extraordinary events" unfolding in Syria.

Since launching their offensive on November 27 in northwestern Syria, the rebels have rapidly captured key cities, capitalizing on the collapse of government forces.

A Call for Unity and Return

The rebels issued a call to Syrians displaced by the war, urging them to return to a "free Syria." The conflict, which began in 2011, has claimed over half a million lives and fractured the nation into zones of foreign influence.

In a Facebook video, Syrian Prime Minister Mohamed al-Jalali expressed willingness to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the people, stating that he would be in his office on Sunday morning to facilitate a transition of power.

“After 50 years of oppression under the Baath Party and 13 years of tyranny, crimes, and displacement, we announce the end of this dark era and the dawn of a new Syria,” the rebels said in a statement, hailing the collapse of pro-government forces.

Rebel Coalition Gains Momentum

Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, leader of the radical Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), urged his fighters to refrain from targeting public institutions, which he said remain under the interim control of the prime minister until a formal transition.

Key Assad ally Hezbollah, which supported his regime for years, has reportedly withdrawn its forces from areas surrounding Damascus and Homs, according to sources close to the Lebanese group.

The HTS-led coalition, originating from the Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda, advanced rapidly over the past 10 days, seizing major cities such as Aleppo, Hama, and Homs before entering Damascus.

The offensive, launched from the Idlib province, caught many off guard, despite sustained Russian airstrikes and ground operations aimed at insurgent strongholds.

Government Forces in Retreat

Government troops have also lost control of Deraa, the birthplace of the 2011 uprising, to local forces near the Jordanian border, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Meanwhile, in Deir Ezzor province, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have moved into areas vacated by retreating government forces.

A Turning Point

Since 2015, Assad’s regime, bolstered by Russian airpower, Iranian support, and Hezbollah’s military backing, regained much of Syria, including Aleppo in 2016. However, a 2020 ceasefire brokered by Turkey and Russia had maintained a fragile calm in the northwest—until now.

The collapse of government forces and Assad’s apparent departure mark a dramatic turning point, leaving the future of Syria uncertain as it enters uncharted political territory.