Syria: Opposition Rebels Seize Damascus, President Assad Fled
Rebel Coalition Declares Control of Syrian Capital
DOHA, Qatar — Opposition rebels all but sealed their control of Syria on Sunday, storming the capital as army troops melted away, and President Bashar Assad was reported to have fled the country.
Rebel Sweep into Power
The insurgents’ sweep into power concludes an astonishing Turkish-backed offensive that saw them overturn a years-long stalemate to overrun major cities in less than two weeks.
**Early Sunday, the rebel coalition, led by the group Hayat Tahrir al Sham, declared Damascus "free of the tyrant Bashar" and hailed the day as "the start of a new era for Syria." Syrians alternated between expressions of panic and celebration.
Video and Photos
Video showed residents rushing to mosques to announce from minarets that "the dog Bashar has fallen." Others showed rebel fighters gathering in squares and firing what appeared to be celebratory machine gun salvos into the air. Damascus residents reached via the WhatsApp messaging platform reported hearing sustained gunfire starting in the early morning and continuing for hours.
Chaos and Celebrations
Amid the jubilation, there were also moments of chaos. Activists published videos purporting to show people looting the central bank building in Damascus. Others ransacked the presidential palace after Assad vanished. His ally Russia said the president had fled the country after negotiations with insurgents and had left instructions on a peaceful transfer of power.
Leadership and Stability
Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, the prime minister under Assad, issued a video statement on social media saying he would work with any "leadership chosen by the people," and he urged citizens to safeguard public institutions and not engage in attacks.
Rebel Commander’s Statement
The leader of Hayat Tahrir al Sham, Ahmed Sharaa, issued a statement early Sunday ordering rebel fighters entering the capital to preserve public institutions, saying that they would remain under the stewardship of the "former prime minister until they are officially handed over."
Release of Political Detainees
During their advance on Damascus, opposition groups announced taking over a number of prisons and throwing their doors open to release longtime political detainees. That included Sednaya, a lockup north of the capital where rights groups said thousands had been tortured and killed. A video circulating online purported to show rebels breaking open cell doors and freeing female prisoners, with at least one child among them.
Rebel Commander’s Message
Rebel commander Anas Salkhadi appeared on state TV aiming to reassure religious and ethnic minorities. "Syria is for everyone, no exceptions. Syria is for Druze, Sunnis, Alawites, and all sects," he said. "We will not deal with people the way the Assad family did."
The Fall of the Assad Regime
The fall of Assad ends a 50-year dynasty begun by his late father, Hafez, notorious for its brutal treatment of adversaries, a fearsome intelligence apparatus, and a propaganda arm that claimed almost to the end that Assad remained in the country and the army was holding its positions even as the rebels were entering Damascus.
Russia’s Response
Russia’s embassy in Egypt issued a statement condemning the rebels’ advance, saying Damascus "has been captured by terrorists who are backed by external forces led by the United States."
Conclusion
The Syrian civil war began in 2011, when anti-government protests — as part of the Arab Spring uprisings — were brutally suppressed, triggering an armed insurgency that overran wide swaths of the country.
FAQs
Q: What is the current situation in Syria?
A: The opposition rebels have seized control of the Syrian capital, Damascus, and President Bashar Assad has reportedly fled the country.
Q: What is the current state of the Syrian government?
A: The government has melted away, and the rebels have taken control of key institutions.
Q: What is the international community’s response to the situation?
A: Russia has condemned the rebels’ advance and the United States has expressed support for the opposition.
Q: What is the potential impact of Assad’s departure on the region?
A: The fall of the Assads could lead to a power vacuum, potentially benefiting Turkey, which has long backed the opposition. However, it also raises concerns about the rise of Islamic State and the potential for further instability in the region.
