The Assad family’s grip on Syria came to a dramatic end as rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) swiftly captured Damascus in a rapid military campaign. Hassan Abdul-Ghani, an HTS commander, declared the capital free from Bashar al-Assad’s regime and invited displaced Syrians to return.
Celebrations erupted across Damascus as citizens dismantled symbols of Assad’s rule, including statues of Hafez al-Assad, and filled the streets in scenes of jubilation.
Bashar al-Assad fled Syria and relinquished power, a move confirmed by Russia, which had been a key ally throughout his rule. Russian officials stated that Assad had sought asylum in Moscow following negotiations for a peaceful transition of power.
Syria’s Prime Minister Ghazi al-Jalali committed to maintaining governmental stability while supporting the emergence of new leadership chosen by the Syrian people. Meanwhile, HTS freed thousands of detainees from the notorious Sednaya Prison, highlighting the collapse of one of the Assad regime’s most oppressive institutions.
Assad’s Regime Falls as HTS Captures Damascus and Syria Faces Uncertain Future
International reactions reflected a spectrum of perspectives. U.S. President Joe Biden hailed the fall of the Assad regime as a turning point for Syria and pledged support for a peaceful and inclusive transition.
Conversely, President-elect Donald Trump advocated for non-intervention, urging the U.S. to remain uninvolved in Syria’s internal developments. Regional responses included Israel bolstering its security along the Golan Heights to protect its borders while refraining from involvement in the evolving situation within Syria.
HTS’s military victories were the result of extensive preparation, including advanced weaponry and strategic organization, which enabled them to overrun key cities like Aleppo, Homs, and Hama. These successes left the Assad regime vulnerable, culminating in the fall of Damascus.
The regime’s collapse marked a significant blow to its international supporters, including Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, who had invested heavily in maintaining Assad’s rule.
HTS’s rise as a leading force in Syria has prompted questions about the country’s future. Originating as an offshoot of al-Qaeda, the group’s influence raises concerns about governance and stability in a post-Assad era.
After nearly 14 years of civil war and millions displaced, Syria faces immense challenges in rebuilding its institutions and society. The role of HTS in shaping this process will be closely watched as Syrians and the international community grapple with the realities of a new chapter in the nation’s history.
