In a rapid and unforeseen turn of events, the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has collapsed following a swift offensive by rebel forces. On December 8, 2024, opposition groups, notably Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), entered the capital, Damascus, encountering no resistance as government defenses crumbled.
President Assad reportedly fled the city, with some sources suggesting he may have sought refuge at a Russian-operated airbase, possibly en route to Moscow, though his exact whereabouts remain unconfirmed.
The Sun The fall of Damascus marks the end of the Assad family’s 50-year rule over Syria.
The offensive began in late November, with rebel forces capturing key cities such as Aleppo and Homs before advancing on the capital. The rapid progression of the rebels was facilitated by the withdrawal of government troops and the defection of several high-ranking officials. In Damascus, citizens took to the streets in celebration, dismantling symbols of the Assad regime and chanting slogans of freedom. Rebel leaders have called for the preservation of state institutions and the protection of public property to ensure a stable transition.
AP News The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with concerns about potential power vacuums and the future stability of the region.
