In a historic turn of events for the Middle East, Syrian rebels on Sunday declared the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad after seizing control of Damascus.
The move marks the end of more than 13 years of civil war and the Assad family’s decades-long grip on power.
Assad, who fled the capital earlier in the day, has yet to make a public statement, and his whereabouts, along with those of his wife Asma and their two children, remain unknown.
The Islamist rebel coalition’s victory deals a significant blow to the influence of Russia and Iran, Assad’s key allies, who provided critical support throughout the conflict. Following the rebel advance, Iran’s embassy in Damascus was stormed, according to Iran’s Press TV.
A Syrian military officer disclosed that army command had informed personnel of Assad’s ouster, signaling a monumental shift. However, the military later announced ongoing operations against “terrorist groups” in key regions, including Hama, Homs, and the Deraa countryside, suggesting pockets of resistance remain.
The rebels celebrated their victory with symbolic gestures, including the release of political prisoners from Sednaya Prison, infamous for housing thousands of detainees. “We celebrate the liberation of our prisoners and the end of the era of injustice,” the rebel coalition declared.
In Damascus, thousands gathered in a main square, waving flags and chanting “Freedom,” celebrating the end of over 50 years of Assad family rule. The rebel coalition also announced efforts to establish a transitional governing body with full executive powers, marking the beginning of Syria’s reconstruction.
“The great Syrian revolution has transitioned from the struggle to overthrow the regime to building a Syria worthy of its people’s sacrifices,” the coalition stated, emphasizing a future of unity and progress.
