Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who led a brutal crackdown on a pro-democracy uprising that escalated into a devastating civil war, has reportedly fled the country as rebel forces entered Damascus on Dec. 8, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The Islamist-led rebel offensive, which began on Nov. 27, rapidly captured key territories, dealing a major blow to Assad’s regime. Rebels declared that the “tyrant” had “fled,” signaling what could be the end of his 24-year rule and the Assad family’s five-decade grip on power.
Assad, known for his calm demeanor in public, maintained his rule through alliances with Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah while presenting himself as a defender against Islamist extremism. Over years of conflict, he regained much of Syria, crushing both protests and armed opposition.
Despite allegations of electoral fraud and human rights abuses, Assad portrayed himself as Syria’s only viable leader, claiming to protect minorities and provide stability in a war-torn country. However, the swift rebel advance has now thrown his leadership into unprecedented uncertainty.
The developments mark a critical juncture in Syria’s civil war, which began in 2011 and has left the country deeply fractured and devastated.