A Capital in Turmoil: Syrian Rebels Seize Damascus, Marking the End of the Assad Dynasty
Damascus, Syria – In a historic turn of events, Syrian rebel forces entered the heart of Damascus on Sunday, bringing a dramatic conclusion to the 53-year rule of the Assad family. The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime marks a seismic shift in the region’s political landscape, with both jubilation and uncertainty gripping the capital.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that Assad fled the city for an undisclosed location in the early hours of Sunday as rebel forces advanced. Reports from The Associated Press suggest his family may have sought refuge in Russia, while the government denied these claims amid growing chaos.
In a televised statement, Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali, a key figure in Assad’s government, expressed willingness to cooperate with the rebels in forming a transitional government. Standing resolute in his Damascus residence, Jalali called for calm. “I am in my house and have not left, and this is because of my belonging to this country,” he said, urging citizens to refrain from defacing public property.
Celebration and Chaos in Damascus
As news of Assad’s departure spread, celebrations erupted across the city, with residents waving flags and chanting in the streets. Simultaneously, others scrambled to secure food supplies or fled toward the Lebanese border, fearing further instability. The speed of the opposition’s advance stunned many, underscoring the regime’s waning control after years of civil war.
Regional and International Repercussions
Meanwhile, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, attending events in Paris, voiced firm opposition to American involvement in Syria. Taking to Truth Social, Trump stated, “Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT.” The remarks underscored his administration’s anticipated hands-off approach, even as Biden administration officials acknowledged the increasing likelihood of Assad’s permanent removal.
A Nation at a Crossroads
Syria now stands at a critical juncture. The rapid fall of Damascus raises questions about the rebels’ plans for governance and the possibility of an inclusive transitional government. While Jalali’s willingness to negotiate signals a potential path forward, the fractured opposition and lingering regional tensions complicate prospects for stability.
For Syrians, the end of the Assad era is both a relief and a daunting challenge. As Damascus awakens to a new reality, the world watches with bated breath to see whether the capital’s liberation will lead to enduring peace or usher in another chapter of turmoil in the war-torn nation.
