Sun Dec 08 22:28:51 UTC 2024: ## Assad Regime Collapses: Syrian President Flees as Rebels Seize Damascus

**Damascus, Syria** – In a stunning turn of events, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime has collapsed after opposition forces swiftly seized control of Damascus, the capital city, early Sunday. Reports indicate Assad has fled the country, his whereabouts currently unknown, bringing an end to over 50 years of Assad family rule.

The rapid advance of Islamist-led rebel forces, spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), caught the world by surprise. Opposition fighters entered Damascus with minimal resistance, taking control of key locations including the presidential palace and Sednaya prison, a notorious military facility. Celebrations erupted in Damascus and Aleppo as news of Assad’s departure spread. Videos circulated online showing residents cheering, firing celebratory gunfire, and tearing down posters of Assad and Hezbollah leaders.

Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali was reportedly escorted by rebel fighters to the Four Seasons Hotel, where he met with rebel leaders to facilitate the transfer of power. He emphasized the need to maintain public services and security during the transition.

Neighboring countries reacted swiftly. Lebanon closed all land border crossings with Syria except one, while Jordan also shut a border crossing. The UN envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an orderly political transition. The US, Israel, and other major powers are closely monitoring the situation. The US President Joe Biden met with his national security team to discuss the developments.

The fall of Damascus marks a major blow to Iran’s regional influence, as Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed groups have been weakened. Turkey, which has long called for Assad’s removal, is now recalibrating its policy towards Syria, focusing on the potential return of Syrian refugees and preventing the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) from expanding their territory.

While the opposition has declared victory and announced plans for a transitional government, the situation remains fluid and potentially volatile. The future of Syria remains uncertain, but the fall of Assad’s regime marks a pivotal moment in the country’s long and brutal civil war.

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