Rebels Overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad

Syria’s armed opposition forces have announced the capture of the capital, Damascus, signaling the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime after over two decades in power.

Abu Mohammed al-Julani, the commander of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, confirmed the development, stating that state institutions would remain under the supervision of al-Assad’s Prime Minister until they are officially transferred to a transitional government.

This announcement followed a swift offensive by the opposition, which seized multiple key cities within hours. Shortly thereafter, state television aired a statement from the rebels addressed to the Syrian people.

“The city of Damascus has been liberated,” declared a man dressed in civilian clothes. “The tyrant Bashar al-Assad has been toppled. All prisoners have been released from the prison of Damascus. We urge all our fighters and citizens to preserve and protect the property of Syria’s state. Long live Syria.”

The news has sparked widespread international concern, with neighboring countries and major regional powers such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Turkiye, and Russia issuing a joint statement. The coalition described the situation as a “dangerous development” and called for a political solution to prevent further escalation.

Bashar al-Assad, 59, rose to power in 2000 following the death of his father, Hafez al-Assad, who had ruled Syria since 1971. Initially trained as an ophthalmologist, Bashar returned to Syria from London after the sudden death of his elder brother Bassel in a car accident. Bassel had been expected to succeed Hafez, leaving Bashar to assume the presidency.

Al-Assad’s tenure was marked by widespread violence, particularly after the 2011 uprising. What began as peaceful protests calling for democratic reforms turned into a brutal civil war when the regime responded with violent crackdowns. The conflict, which has lasted for over a decade, has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and left millions displaced.

The ousted president has been widely condemned for committing human rights violations, including the use of chemical weapons against civilians, suppressing Kurdish populations, and orchestrating forced disappearances throughout the war.

As reports emerge that al-Assad has fled Syria, attention now turns to the country’s future. While the opposition celebrates what they call the “liberation” of Damascus, significant questions remain regarding the governance and stability of Syria in the wake of his departure.