KUALA LUMPUR – Syrian rebels have declared Damascus “free of Assad” after a swift offensive ended President Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year grip on power, according to a Syrian officer and multiple reports.
The announcement follows Assad’s reported departure from the capital on Sunday to an undisclosed location, as rebels entered Damascus unopposed, Reuters reported.
Witnesses described scenes of jubilation in the capital, with thousands gathering in a central square chanting “Freedom” and celebrating the release of prisoners from Sednaya prison.
The notorious facility, located on the outskirts of Damascus, held thousands detained by Assad’s regime.
“We celebrate with the Syrian people the news of freeing our prisoners and announcing the end of the era of injustice in Sednaya prison,” a rebel spokesperson said.
Assad’s flight and territorial losses
Data from Flightradar indicated a Syrian Air aircraft departing Damascus as rebels reportedly took control of the city. The plane initially headed toward Syria’s Alawite stronghold on the coast before abruptly changing course and disappearing from radar. Reuters could not confirm who was on board.
Hadi al-Bahra, head of Syria’s main opposition group, declared, “Damascus is now without Bashar al-Assad.”
This development came hours after rebels captured Homs, a strategic city and symbolic stronghold of the opposition’s resurgence. Thousands of residents celebrated in the streets following the military’s withdrawal, chanting “Assad is gone, Homs is free.”
Strategic importance of Homs
The fall of Homs grants rebels control over Syria’s central heartland, severing key supply lines between Damascus and Assad’s coastal base. This victory follows a week-long collapse of Assad’s forces, who faced a relentless rebel advance.
Homs, once devastated by prolonged sieges, now symbolises the insurgents’ dramatic comeback in the 13-year conflict. Rebel commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) hailed the victory as historic, urging fighters to refrain from harming “those who drop their arms.”
Rebels also freed thousands of detainees from Homs’ prisons, with security forces fleeing in haste and destroying documents.
Statues of Assad’s father, Hafez al-Assad, were torn down in the suburbs, while rebel forces expanded their control over southwestern Syria within 24 hours.
Regional and international implications
The pace of events has alarmed Arab capitals, raising fears of broader regional instability. Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Turkey, and Russia issued a joint statement calling for a political solution to the crisis.
Syria’s civil war, which began in 2011, has drawn in major powers, fuelled global jihadist militancy, and displaced millions. HTS, the most powerful rebel faction, remains controversial due to its origins as an al-Qaeda affiliate. While Golani has sought to reassure minorities and the international community of HTS’s intentions, scepticism persists. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov remarked, “The proof of the pudding is in the eating.”
Assad’s dwindling allies
Assad’s reliance on external support has waned. Russian airstrikes and Iranian-backed militias, including Hezbollah, were crucial in holding rebel advances at bay.
However, Russia’s focus has shifted to the war in Ukraine, and Hezbollah’s losses in its conflict with Israel have diminished its capacity to assist Assad.
Meanwhile, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has indicated that the U.S. will refrain from involvement, stating, “Let it play out.” – December 8, 2024