TLDR:
Syrian rebels seize control of Damascus
Assad flees as decades-long rule collapses
A new political era dawns for Syria
DAMASCUS (The Thursday Times) — In a historic and unforeseen turn of events, the Assad family’s five-decade-long rule over Syria has ended as rebels entered Damascus, forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee the country.
Rebels seize Damascus in a swift offensive
The fall of the Assad regime was marked by a rapid and coordinated rebel advance that culminated in the capture of Damascus. Opposition fighters pushed through the remaining strongholds with unprecedented speed, declaring the city free of Assad’s rule. The regime’s collapse came after major urban centres like Aleppo and Homs also fell into rebel hands, solidifying their grip over the country.
Assad flees amid mounting pressure
Reports emerged of President Bashar al-Assad fleeing Syria on a private aircraft, his destination unknown. Government sources have indicated that Assad left as rebel forces entered the capital, leaving behind a government scrambling to maintain order. The departure of Assad marks a dramatic end to his reign and a significant geopolitical shift for the region.
Impact on regional power dynamics
The collapse of Assad’s government delivers a serious blow to Russia and Iran, who have long backed his regime as a key ally in the Middle East. For Moscow and Tehran, the loss of Damascus represents not only a strategic defeat but also a diminishment of their influence in the region. The rapidity of the fall has left allied forces and diplomatic channels in disarray, as they scramble to reassess their regional positions.
Transitional government takes shape
Amidst the chaos, Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali has offered cooperation with the opposition, signalling a willingness to peacefully transfer government functions. This move sets the stage for a transitional government, although the road to stability remains fraught with challenges. International observers are urging swift diplomatic engagement to avoid further humanitarian crises and ensure an orderly political transition.
A nation at a crossroads
The fall of the Assad regime marks the beginning of a new chapter for Syria. Decades of authoritarian rule have given way to uncertainty, with hopes for a democratic transition tempered by the looming risks of factionalism and instability. Rebel leaders have declared the end of “a dark era” and are calling for unity, but the coming months will determine whether Syria can chart a peaceful and inclusive future.