In a dramatic turn, the Syrian government has fallen after a rapid 10-day rebel offensive swept across the country, reaching the capital, Damascus. President Bashar Assad reportedly fled the country, leaving behind a regime that ruled for over 50 years.
Rebels Take Damascus
Opposition forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), entered Damascus on Sunday following a series of swift victories, including the capture of Aleppo, Hama, and Homs. The offensive, which began on November 27, saw little resistance from government forces. Damascus’ central squares erupted in celebration as residents chanted anti-Assad slogans and honked car horns, while others rushed to stock up on supplies or flee to the Lebanese border.
Leadership in Turmoil
Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali announced the government’s willingness to transfer power to a transitional authority, though he denied fleeing Damascus. Meanwhile, reports suggest Assad left the capital via flight, with state media offering no clarification.
A Nation in Chaos
The collapse has led to widespread panic. Stores in Damascus were shuttered or price gouging, and the U.N. began evacuating nonessential staff. HTS has vowed to oversee a political transition, but the group’s ties to al-Qaida raise concerns about the future stability of the region.
Global Reactions
The U.N. and key international players, including Russia, Turkey, and Iran, have called for urgent talks to ensure an orderly transition. U.N. envoy Geir Pedersen emphasized the need for a political solution, while U.S. leaders signaled no intention to intervene militarily.
The Road Ahead
As Assad’s backers, including Russia and Iran, scale back their involvement, Syria faces a precarious future. The swift fall of the regime underscores the fragility of its control and highlights the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to a conflict that has devastated the nation since 2011.
