Syrian rebels take Damascus, topple Assad after lightning offensive
In a dramatic turn of events, Syrian rebels have seized control of Damascus, declaring the capital “free of Assad” after more than a decade of civil war. The swift rebel offensive marks the end of President Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year rule, triggering celebrations across the nation and sending shockwaves through the Middle East.
The offensive, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), saw insurgents take full control of Damascus on Sunday, encountering little resistance from government forces. Rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani called it a “historic moment,” urging fighters to avoid harming those who surrendered.
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In Homs, another key city, rebels achieved victory after just one day of fighting. Thousands of residents poured into the streets, chanting “Assad is gone, Homs is free.” The city, once devastated by years of siege warfare, has now become a symbol of the rebellion’s resurgence. The capture of Homs severed Damascus from Assad’s stronghold along the coastal region, cutting off Russian and Iranian support bases.
As rebels entered Damascus, Assad reportedly fled to an unknown location. A Syrian Air plane was seen departing the city before making an abrupt U-turn and disappearing from radar, fueling speculation about his whereabouts. Rebel forces quickly moved to consolidate power, toppling statues of Assad’s father in the suburbs and freeing thousands of detainees from Sednaya and Homs prisons.
Hadi al-Bahra, head of Syria’s main opposition group abroad, proclaimed that “Damascus is now without Bashar al-Assad.” Rebel commanders stated operations were underway to secure the countryside around the capital.
The rapid fall of Assad’s regime has unsettled Arab capitals, raising fears of further instability. A joint statement from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Turkey, and Russia called the crisis a “dangerous development” and urged a political solution.
The collapse of Assad’s rule also underscores the waning influence of his allies. Russian forces, preoccupied with the war in Ukraine, and Hezbollah, weakened by regional conflicts, have been unable to provide the same level of support.
HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to reassure both Syrian minorities and the international community. In Aleppo, which fell to the rebels a week earlier, there have been no reports of reprisals. Golani has pledged to protect minorities and emphasized that HTS opposes external attacks.
Despite these assurances, many Syrians remain wary of HTS, which retains its hardline reputation as a former al-Qaeda affiliate. The group’s dominance in the rebel coalition raises concerns about the imposition of strict rule in a post-Assad Syria.
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