Syrian Rebels Overthrow Bashar al-Assad in Dramatic Turn of Events
Syrian rebels have declared the end of Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year rule following a surprise offensive that saw them capture Damascus. In a historic announcement on state television, the rebels proclaimed the fall of the authoritarian regime, marking a turning point for Syrians after over a decade of conflict.
According to sources, Syria’s army command confirmed Assad’s regime had ended, though operations against “terrorist groups” reportedly continue in Hama, Homs, and the Deraa countryside. Witnesses in Damascus described thousands of Syrians gathering in the streets, waving flags, chanting “Freedom,” and celebrating the end of Assad’s family rule.
Assad, who fled Damascus earlier on Sunday, has reportedly left for an unknown destination. Unconfirmed reports suggest his aircraft disappeared from radar after an abrupt U-turn, sparking speculation about his fate. Some sources claim a high probability that Bashar al-Assad may have died in a plane crash.
This dramatic collapse signifies a seismic shift for Syria and the region. The Assad regime, backed by Russia and Iran for years, was unprepared for the rapid advance of Syrian rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group formerly associated with al-Qaeda. HTS now controls significant territory and has called for an orderly transition to governance, aiming to rebuild the war-torn nation and lift international sanctions.
Homs, a strategic city and symbol of Syria’s long conflict, fell to the rebels after years of siege warfare. Security forces retreated, burning documents and abandoning positions, while rebels freed thousands of detainees. Syrians in Homs celebrated by chanting, “Assad is gone, Homs is free,” and tearing down images of the deposed leader.
International reactions to Bashar al-Assad’s ousting have been swift. U.S. President Joe Biden stated his administration is closely monitoring the “extraordinary events in Syria” and is in talks with regional allies. Meanwhile, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces leader Mazloum Abdi described the regime’s fall as a historic moment, expressing hope for a new democratic Syria that respects the rights of all Syrians.
As Syrian rebels consolidate their control over western Syria, questions about the future governance of the country loom large. The region now faces both opportunities for rebuilding and fears of instability, with the global community watching closely.
