In a momentous turn of events, the Assad regime in Syria has fallen, marking the end of over 50 years of Baath Party rule. Islamist-led rebel forces declared the end of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime after a rapid offensive captured Damascus. The capital city erupted in celebrations as residents took to the streets, signalling the end of Assad’s rule and the dawn of a new era for Syria.
Following a swift and decisive offensive, rebel leaders announced the capture of Damascus. In a televised statement, they declared, “We declare the city of Damascus free,” as videos from the city showed fighters chanting "Allahu akbar" and dismantling symbols of the regime, including a statue of Assad’s father, Hafez al-Assad. President Assad reportedly fled the country via Damascus International Airport hours before the rebels took control, with his long-time allies, Hezbollah fighters, abandoning their positions.
Interim Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali confirmed Assad’s departure and expressed readiness for a peaceful transition of power. In a speech broadcast on social media, Jalali stated, “Syria can now become a normal country, fostering good relations with its neighbors and the world.” The offensive, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), saw the rapid capture of major cities including Aleppo, Homs, and Daraa. In a symbolic gesture, rebels freed thousands of detainees from Sednaya prison, a longstanding symbol of Assad’s oppressive rule.
HTS announced that public institutions would remain operational under Jalali's supervision until a new government is formally established. “This marks the end of tyranny and the beginning of a new era for Syria,” the group declared, urging Syrians abroad to return home and contribute to rebuilding the nation. The recent fighting, according to the United Nations, displaced 370,000 people and claimed at least 826 lives. UN officials have called for urgent political talks to implement a 2015 roadmap for peace and reconstruction.
The developments in Syria have drawn significant international attention. The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden is in constant consultation with allies regarding the crisis. Outgoing Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of a political solution, while President-elect Donald Trump reiterated his stance against US involvement in Syria’s affairs.
The toppling of Assad's regime marks a historic and transformative moment for Syria. As the nation moves towards a new era of governance, the challenges of rebuilding a war-torn country and restoring stability remain daunting. The international community will be closely watching the unfolding events, recognizing the potential for both hope and conflict as Syria navigates its path forward. The end of over 50 years of Baath Party rule is a significant milestone, but the road to peace and prosperity for Syria is only just beginning.
Pix courtesy: Global News
DISCLAIMER:This brief is based on information from publicly available sources and reflects the author's interpretation of the topic and do not reflect Prameya's or Prameya News7 editorial stance.
