Beirut: Syrian rebels announced on Sunday that they had overthrown President Bashar al-Assad after seizing Damascus, marking the end of his family’s decades-long autocratic rule. Assad, who fled the capital amid the rebel advance, left behind a fractured nation grappling with over 13 years of civil war and devastation—a defining moment for the Middle East.
The Islamist rebel coalition’s success strikes a major blow to the influence of Assad’s key allies, Russia and Iran, who had bolstered his regime throughout the conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attributed Assad’s downfall to Israel’s military actions against Iran and Hezbollah, Assad's staunch supporters.
Reports indicate that the rebels encountered no resistance as they entered Damascus, with jubilant crowds gathering in the city’s main square to celebrate the collapse of Assad’s rule. Videos circulated of citizens entering the Al-Rawda Presidential Palace, some leaving with furniture. The rebels also freed detainees from a large prison on Damascus's outskirts, releasing thousands held under Assad's regime.
Rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani, addressing the nation through state media, declared, "The future is ours," reiterating his commitment to the revolution that began during the Arab Spring in 2011. French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the development, calling it "the fall of a barbaric state" and commending the resilience of the Syrian people.
As Syrians rejoice, the nation now faces the monumental task of rebuilding a war-torn country and establishing stability amid the competing interests of various factions. Concerns loom over the potential resurgence of groups like the Islamic State, which previously exploited chaos in the region to consolidate power.
Iran’s embassy in Damascus was reportedly stormed by rebels, and Hezbollah—long a critical ally of Assad—has withdrawn its forces from Syria. Assad’s exact whereabouts remain unknown, but Russia confirmed he had relinquished power and left the country, paving the way for a transitional governing body.
The Syrian rebel coalition emphasized a commitment to creating a unified and democratic Syria, while interim Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali called for free elections and outlined plans for the transitional period. However, international concerns remain over the prominent role of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist group leading the rebellion, given its roots as a former al-Qaeda affiliate.
Regional powers like Turkey and the United Arab Emirates have expressed caution, warning against extremist groups exploiting the power vacuum. Meanwhile, Israel and the United States remain vigilant, with reports of Israeli strikes targeting military installations in Syria to prevent weapons from falling into the hands of radical groups.
Syria now stands at a crossroads, with the international community closely watching the unfolding transition and considering how to engage with a nation emerging from years of devastating conflict and authoritarian rule.