Syrian rebels announced on Sunday that they have seized control of Damascus, marking the apparent collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime after nearly 25 years of authoritarian rule. Assad reportedly fled the capital aboard a plane to an undisclosed location as rebel forces advanced.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist movement with roots as an al-Qaeda affiliate, led the charge into Damascus. In a broadcast on state-owned television, HTS declared Syria “free from the tyrant Assad,” signaling the fall of a regime that had held power through decades of repression and conflict.
The Russian foreign ministry confirmed that Assad had fled the capital, which had been his regime’s stronghold throughout Syria’s prolonged civil war. Assad’s exact location remains unknown, leaving questions about his next move and the fate of the remnants of his government.
Assad’s apparent ouster marks the end of nearly five decades of family rule over Syria, beginning with his father, Hafez al-Assad, who took power in 1970. The collapse of his government is a dramatic turning point in Syria’s civil war, which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions since 2011.
READ: Syrian President Bashar Assad Flees Country As Opposition Forces Enter Damascus
For many Syrians, Assad’s departure represents liberation from decades of oppressive governance, but it also ushers in a new chapter of uncertainty for a country long fractured by conflict.
The fall of Assad’s regime injects fresh instability into the Middle East, a region already grappling with multiple crises, including wars in Yemen and Ukraine, Israel’s ongoing military operations, and Iran’s regional influence. Assad’s departure could reshape alliances and power dynamics across the region.
Analysts warn that while Assad’s ouster may signal the end of one chapter, Syria’s path forward is fraught with challenges as opposition groups vie for power in the absence of a central authority.
Previous Report:
Syrian President’s Fate Uncertain After Plane Disappears From Radar
An IL-76 aircraft vanished from radar near Homs, Syria, sparking concerns about the safety of those on board, including the potential presence of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
The aircraft reportedly departed from Damascus International Airport before losing altitude and disappearing from radar screens. Unverified reports indicate that President Assad may have been among the passengers.
READ: Syrian President Bashar Assad Flees Country As Opposition Forces Enter Damascus
While the exact circumstances remain unclear, speculation ranges from a possible crash to an emergency landing. Syrian authorities have yet to release an official statement confirming the incident or providing details about the plane’s whereabouts.
The incident has heightened tensions in the region, with international observers closely monitoring the situation. If confirmed, the loss of the Syrian President would have significant implications for the ongoing conflict and the political landscape in Syria.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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