The regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has officially ended following a rapid offensive by rebel forces, marking a significant turning point in Syria's ongoing civil conflict. After 24 years in power, Assad reportedly fled Damascus, and his current whereabouts remain unknown. This development has been confirmed by various sources, including Russia's foreign ministry, which stated that Assad had ordered a peaceful transfer of power before leaving the country.
Celebrations erupted across Syria as thousands took to the streets of Damascus and other cities, chanting for freedom and expressing their joy at the regime's collapse. In Homs, crowds danced and shouted slogans such as "Assad is gone, Homs is free," reflecting the widespread sentiment among those who have suffered under Assad's rule. The Syrian army has acknowledged the fall of Assad's government, with reports indicating that many soldiers deserted their posts as the rebels advanced.
The rebel coalition's swift success can be attributed to their recent military operations, which saw them capture key cities such as Aleppo and Homs before reaching the capital. The offensive was characterized by minimal resistance from government forces, which had been weakened significantly due to ongoing conflicts and external pressures on Assad's allies, particularly Russia and Iran.
International reactions have varied. The European Union welcomed the end of Assad's rule as a positive development, highlighting the weakening influence of both Russia and Iran in the region. Conversely, Iran called for Syrians to determine their future without foreign intervention, emphasizing its longstanding support for Assad.
