Syria’s autocratic ruler Bashar al-Assad, has fled the country. After rebel forces entered the Syrian capital, Damascus, with little resistance, Assad reportedly left the city by plane to an undisclosed destination.
Following this dramatic turn of events, thousands of people took to the streets of Damascus to celebrate. They chanted slogans of freedom and indulged in jubilant festivities. Meanwhile, chaos unfolded at Damascus International Airport.
On Sunday, December 8, news outlet Al Jazeera confirmed the developments. However, in their live updates, it was noted that it remains unclear whether the fall of Damascus to the rebels marks the definitive end of President Assad’s 24-year rule.
Nonetheless, this moment is being regarded as historic in Syria’s ongoing civil war, especially for the rebel groups that have been engaged in anti-government struggles for years.
Over the past ten days, Syria’s military has effectively disintegrated. Morale among the troops was reportedly very low, with many soldiers reluctant to fight. A significant portion of the military was made up of conscripts, many of whom were forcibly recruited.
According to Al Jazeera’s live updates, armed rebels have advanced toward Damascus, causing significant disorder at the airport.
Eyewitnesses report that thousands of people are gathering in the heart of Damascus, traveling by car and on foot, while chanting slogans of “freedom.”
Videos shared online show people celebrating on abandoned military tanks at Damascus’ Umayyad Square, with Al Jazeera confirming these scenes.
Meanwhile, gunfire has been heard in various parts of the city. Some videos also show government soldiers leaving the city, although the source of the gunfire remains unclear.
Bashar al-Assad has been in power since 2000, succeeding his father, Hafez al-Assad, who ruled Syria for 29 years.
Protests against President Assad began in 2011, prompting a harsh crackdown. When demonstrators turned to armed rebellion, the country descended into civil war.
In 2015, Russia intervened to support Syria with airstrikes that forced the rebels to retreat. However, more recently, Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shia militia, has weakened, and Russia’s focus on the Ukraine war has reduced its involvement in Syria.
Seizing the opportunity, the rebels have regained momentum and launched an assault on Damascus, culminating in Assad’s dramatic flight from the country.
This marks a significant turning point in Syria’s history, with potentially far-reaching implications for the politics of the entire Middle East.