Syrian Rebels Claim Damascus as President Assad Flees Amid Uprising

Rebel forces have taken over Damascus without opposition, coinciding with President Assad's reported departure from the country. Prime Minister al-Jalali has expressed willingness to collaborate with new potential leadership, indicating a major shift in Syria's governance following 13 years of conflict.

Syrian rebel fighters and their supporters erupted in celebration on Sunday as they entered Damascus with no resistance, signaling a remarkable turn in the protracted civil war. Reports suggest that President Bashar al-Assad has fled the capital after enduring 13 years of conflict. Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali announced his readiness to support a stable governance structure going forward.

This upheaval comes merely 12 days after the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied factions launched a significant offensive in the country’s northwest. After securing the strategically important city of Aleppo, the rebels rapidly advanced south along the highway toward the capital, taking advantage of significant weaknesses in the Syrian military.

The origins of the Syrian war can be traced back to 2011 when peaceful protests demanding democratic reforms transformed into a brutal civil conflict that has claimed over half a million lives and displaced around 12 million people. As Assad's government appeared to regain control of most territories with backing from Russia, Iran, and various militias, rebel control lingered in parts of the north and east, particularly through the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

HTS, previously known as the al-Nusra Front, emerged as a formidable force against Assad, despite being labeled as an al-Qaeda affiliate by multiple nations including the US. Their leadership under Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani has focused on establishing governance based on Islamic law while pursuing the ultimate goal of overthrowing Assad’s regime.

The recent offensive launch by HTS was positioned as a protective measure against perceived aggression from government forces, who had allegedly intensified violent activities against civilians. Amidst this turmoil, external powers, including Hezbollah and Russia, found themselves preoccupied with other conflicts, leaving Assad's forces vulnerable.

As events unfolded on the ground, HTS and its partners rapidly took control of Aleppo, facing minimal resistance as government troops withdrew. Following the fall of Hama and Homs, rebels moved towards Damascus and successfully entered the city, freeing detainees from the notorious Saydnaya prison.

Shortly after, they proclaimed that Assad had fled, marking the collapse of a regime that has reigned for over five decades. Prime Minister al-Jalali's commitment to work with any newly established leadership aligns with the rebels' announcement of a significant new era in Syria's history. Meanwhile, the international community, including the Biden administration, continues to closely monitor these groundbreaking developments.