In a dramatic turn of events, Syrian armed opposition forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have captured the capital city of Damascus, marking a significant shift in the country’s prolonged civil war. The fall of Damascus comes after a rapid 10-day campaign during which key cities such as Aleppo, Hama, and Homs were overtaken by rebel forces.
The seizure of Damascus effectively ends over five decades of rule by the Assad family, who have held power in Syria since the 1970s. According to the RIA news agency, former President Bashar al-Assad and his family have arrived in Moscow and have been granted asylum by Russia for humanitarian reasons.
The swift advancement of HTS and allied opposition groups underscores the volatile nature of the conflict in Syria, raising questions about the future governance of the country and the implications for regional stability. International observers are closely monitoring the situation as the power vacuum in Damascus could lead to new dynamics in Middle Eastern geopolitics.
The United Nations has called for all parties to ensure the safety of civilians and to adhere to international humanitarian laws. Meanwhile, neighboring countries are preparing for potential repercussions, including possible refugee flows and security concerns related to the shift in power.
The fall of Damascus signifies a pivotal moment in Syrian history, potentially ushering in a new era after years of conflict and unrest. The international community awaits further developments as opposition forces establish control over the nation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
