In a dramatic turn of events, opposition fighters have seized control of Damascus after President Bashar al-Assad reportedly left the country. The rapid offensive unfolded over the weekend, with major cities falling to rebel forces in quick succession.
Appearing on state television, a man in military fatigues, flanked by armed fighters, announced the fall of Damascus and the end of al-Assad’s rule. Reading what he called “Statement No. 1,” he declared that rebel units had captured the capital.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, opposition fighters entered Damascus at dawn. Hundreds of government soldiers were seen withdrawing from Damascus International Airport, discarding their military uniforms for civilian clothing.
Civilians flooded the streets, waving the pre-Ba’athist Syrian flag, symbolizing a return to Syria’s earlier era. Traffic jams clogged the roads as residents either celebrated or sought to leave the city amid uncertainty.
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Al-Jallali called for free elections and expressed his willingness to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the people. “Syria belongs to all Syrians,” he said in a televised address. “I urge everyone to think rationally about the nation’s best interests.”
Opposition military leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad Al-Julani, stated that Al-Jallali would oversee public institutions until an official transfer of authority is completed. He urged his forces to refrain from approaching public facilities and banned celebratory gunfire. “These facilities will remain under the supervision of the former prime minister until they are handed over formally,” he said.
Reports emerged of prisoners being released from Sednaya Prison near Damascus as security forces withdrew. Flight tracking data showed a Syrian Air jet departing the capital under mysterious circumstances, fueling speculation about the evacuation of senior government officials.
Earlier, opposition fighters secured full control of Homs, a strategic city and crucial crossroads, following a brief but intense battle. The victory effectively severed connections between Damascus and the coastal regions loyal to al-Assad’s government.
“The fall of Homs marks a historic moment,” Al-Julani proclaimed, urging his fighters to show restraint toward those who surrender. Thousands of prisoners were freed as security forces fled, reportedly burning government documents before departing.
The swift advances by opposition forces signal a significant shift in Syria’s protracted conflict, raising questions about the future of the nation and the region as a whole.
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Opposition fighters capture Syrian capital following al-Assad's leave
cgtn.com
