Sun Dec 08 04:26:42 UTC 2024: ## Assad Flees as Rebels Seize Damascus in Stunning Syrian Uprising

**Damascus, Syria –** In a dramatic turn of events, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has fled the country, ending his 50-year family dynasty rule. Opposition forces, spearheaded by a coalition including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al-Qaeda affiliate, entered the capital, Damascus, on Sunday morning, encountering little resistance. The swift victory marks a stunning collapse of Assad’s regime, which has been embroiled in a brutal civil war since 2011.

Reports indicate that Assad departed Damascus by plane, his destination currently unknown. While the Syrian government remains silent, Iranian state television, a key Assad ally, confirmed his departure. The rapid advance of the rebel forces has shocked regional powers and observers alike. Multiple sources, including the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and senior Syrian army officers speaking to Reuters, confirm Assad’s flight and the fall of Damascus.

The Syrian army command has reportedly informed officers that Assad’s rule has ended. Thousands of jubilant citizens have gathered in Damascus’s Umayyad Square, waving and chanting “Freedom.” Videos circulating on social media show celebrations in Homs, where a statue of Assad’s father was torn down. The opposition has announced the liberation of Sednaya prison, notorious for human rights abuses.

The Prime Minister, Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, has remained in Damascus, urging calm and pledging to ensure the functioning of state institutions. He has appealed for cooperation with the opposition and protection of public property. However, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Julani has issued instructions prohibiting the seizure of public institutions, which will remain under the former prime minister’s supervision until an official handover. Celebratory gunfire is also banned.

Neighboring countries have reacted swiftly. Lebanon has closed its land borders with Syria (except for one connecting Beirut and Damascus), while Jordan has also sealed a border crossing. An eight-nation meeting, including UN envoy, concluded with a call for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an orderly political transition. Concerns remain about the potential for instability, the resurgence of ISIS, and a humanitarian crisis. The international community is calling for a peaceful resolution and a political solution to the crisis. The long-term implications of this sudden power shift remain to be seen.

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