Damascus, Syria — Islamist rebels have seized control of Damascus, marking the end of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime and bringing decades of Assad family rule to a dramatic close. Assad and his family reportedly fled to an undisclosed location, according to Reuters.
Thousands of Syrians flooded the streets of Damascus on Sunday, chanting “Freedom” and celebrating the culmination of a 13-year civil war that has reshaped the region.
“We celebrate with the Syrian people the news of freeing our prisoners and announcing the end of the era of injustice in Sednaya prison,” the rebels declared, referring to a notorious jail on the city’s outskirts.
The rebel coalition has pledged to transfer power to a transitional governing body with full executive authority. “The great Syrian revolution has moved from the stage of struggle to overthrow the Assad regime to the struggle to build a Syria that honors the sacrifices of its people,” the coalition said in a statement.
Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali called for free elections and revealed discussions with rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani to manage the transitional period. However, concerns persist over Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group led by Golani, which spearheaded the rebel advance.
HTS, formerly linked to al Qaeda, has faced skepticism from regional powers like the UAE and Egypt, despite Golani severing ties with al Qaeda in 2016. Analysts like Syria expert Joshua Landis believe Golani is keen to ensure an orderly transition but acknowledge the challenges of rebuilding a nation devastated by war.
The collapse of Assad’s regime follows shifting regional dynamics, including the deaths of key Hezbollah leaders and Russia’s focus on its war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Turkey-backed forces have intensified their campaigns against Kurdish fighters in northern Syria.
Iran’s embassy in Damascus was stormed by rebels, signaling the potential unraveling of Iran’s influence in the region. Syria’s army command confirmed the end of Assad’s rule, but clashes reportedly continue in Hama, Homs, and the Deraa countryside.
Stabilizing Syria and addressing the competing interests of international stakeholders will be crucial in shaping the country’s future. As Landis notes, “They are going to have to rebuild. They will need Europe and the U.S. to lift sanctions.”
The Syrian people now face a pivotal moment as they transition from a brutal regime to the challenge of nation-building and reconciliation.
