Sun Dec 08 07:34:40 UTC 2024: ## Assad Reportedly Flees Syria as Rebel Coalition Captures Key Cities, Including Homs

**Damascus, Syria** – President Bashar al-Assad has reportedly fled Syria, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), following a rapid offensive by an Islamist-led rebel coalition, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The coalition claims to have entered Damascus and seized control of the strategically important city of Homs, among other key areas.

The SOHR’s head, Rami Abdel Rahman, stated that Assad left the country via Damascus International Airport before security forces abandoned the facility. While AFP has been unable to independently verify this report, residents in Damascus described widespread panic, heavy gunfire, and traffic jams. Witnesses also reported the toppling of a statue of Hafez al-Assad, the president’s father, in a Damascus suburb. Images from Hama showed abandoned and burning military vehicles.

HTS, designated a terrorist organization by many Western governments, announced an end to the “era of tyranny” after breaching the notorious Sednaya prison, releasing thousands of detainees. Hezbollah, a key Assad ally, has reportedly withdrawn its fighters from positions around Damascus and Homs, with some relocating to Latakia and Lebanon. The Syrian government has denied these claims, asserting that its forces are maintaining defensive lines around the capital and repositioning in other areas. However, the SOHR reports that government forces have lost control of southern Daraa province and are evacuating posts in Quneitra. Hundreds, possibly thousands, of Syrian soldiers have reportedly crossed into Iraq.

The swift rebel advance, which began on November 27th, has caused the displacement of an estimated 370,000 people according to the United Nations. At least 826 people, including civilians, have been killed, according to the SOHR.

International reactions have been varied. The US, Jordan, and Russia have urged their citizens to leave Syria. While Russia and Iran condemned the HTS advances, Turkey’s President Erdogan stated that Syria is “tired of war, blood and tears.” The UN special envoy to Syria called for urgent political talks. Incoming US President Donald Trump stated the US should not intervene. However, Iran and Russia, key Assad allies, have called for political dialogue between the Syrian government and opposition groups.

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