Rebels overthrow Assad: Latest developments in Syria’s crisis
Photo: Rebels overthrow the Assad regime in Syria (Getty Images)
Syrian rebels have seized control of Damascus and overthrown the regime of dictator Bashar al-Assad. This occurred due to an uprising by anti-Assad opposition forces, which began at the end of November.
What is currently known about the situation in Syria and the whereabouts of Assad is detailed in RBC-Ukraine's report.
Uprising and capture of Damascus
At the end of November, fighters from the anti-Assad group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the opposition Syrian National Army attacked government forces in the northeastern part of the country. This attack ended four years of relative calm in Syria and ignited an uprising that culminated in the fall of the regime.
Within a week, the rebels took control of several key Syrian cities, including Palmyra, Hama, and Homs. By last night, the rebels announced they had surrounded Damascus and were preparing to capture it.
In the morning, the rebels entered Damascus, took control of the state television station, and went live to declare that they had seized the capital and overthrown Assad’s regime.
People celebrated in the streets of Damascus after Syria’s opposition fighters entered the city, toppling the Assad regime and declaring Syria free. pic.twitter.com/Fr7WOpkXmX
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) December 8, 2024
Meanwhile, US media reported, citing sources within the Syrian army, that government forces had withdrawn from Damascus, and the command informed officers that Assad’s rule had come to an end.
Reports from Damascus indicate that armed individuals have entered the diplomatic missions of Iran and Iraq. Tehran evacuated its personnel several days before the fall of Damascus.
Why the Syrian uprising against Assad’s regime began is discussed in material by RBC-Ukraine.
Where is Assad, and who will govern Syria?
It is currently believed that Bashar al-Assad fled Damascus. Yesterday, media outlets reported that he was not in any of the usual locations in the capital where he might have been expected. Amid the rebels’ capture of Damascus, a plane departed from the city, allegedly carrying the Syrian dictator.
However, according to Reuters and the FlightRadar platform, the plane disappeared from radar at an altitude of about 500 meters. It is suspected that the plane carrying Assad may have crashed.
Syrian opposition fighters have spoken on state TV to say that ‘the regime of tyrant Bashar al-Assad has been toppled’.
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) December 8, 2024
Rebels entered Damascus and freed prisoners ‘unjustly held’ by the regime, as Assad fled the country. pic.twitter.com/czKoGhFViv
Currently, Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi al-Jalali is in Damascus. He has already responded to the events, stating that he is ready to work with any leadership chosen by the Syrian people.
Global reactions to events in Syria
National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett stated that US President Joe Biden and his team “are closely monitoring” developments in Syria and are in constant contact with regional partners.
US President-elect Donald Trump also commented on the Syrian uprising. Yesterday, he posted on Twitter, linking the events in Syria to Russia’s weakness and urging the US not to intervene.
Today, Trump published a new post, claiming that Assad has lost the protection of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, as Russia is weakened by its war against Ukraine.
Additionally, UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen stated that today’s events "mark a watershed moment in Syria’s history", which has endured nearly 14 years of civil war.
“This dark chapter has left deep scars, but today we look forward with cautious hope to the opening of a new one — one of peace, reconciliation, dignity, and inclusion for all Syrians,” he said.
Sources: Reuters and statements by Syrian and Western officials.
