Syria: Rebel Factions Declare Capture of Damascus, End of Baath Rule
Rebel Factions Declare Capture of Damascus
Islamist-led rebels declared that they had taken Damascus in a lightning offensive on Sunday, sending President Bashar al-Assad fleeing and ending five decades of Baath rule in Syria.
Residents Celebrate in the Streets
Residents in the Syrian capital were seen cheering in the streets, as the rebel factions heralded the departure of “tyrant” Assad, saying: “We declare the city of Damascus free.”
Rebel Fighters Celebrate
AFPTV images from Damascus showed rebels firing into the air at sunrise, with some flashing the victory sign and crying “Allahu akbar”, or God is greatest. Some climbed atop a tank in celebration, while others defaced a toppled statue of Assad’s father, Hafez.
The President’s Alleged Departure
The president’s alleged departure, which was also reported by a war monitor, comes less than two weeks after the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group launched its campaign challenging more than five decades of rule by the Assad family.
Rebel Factions’ Statement
"After 50 years of oppression under Baath rule, and 13 years of crimes and tyranny and (forced) displacement… we announce today the end of this dark period and the start of a new era for Syria,” the rebel factions said on Telegram.
Prime Minister’s Statement
Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali said he was ready to cooperate with “any leadership chosen by the Syrian people”.
Head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights
The head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Rami Abdel Rahman, told AFP: “Assad left Syria via Damascus international airport before the army security forces left” the facility.
HTS Breaks into Jail
HTS said their fighters broke into a jail on the outskirts of the capital, announcing an “end of the era of tyranny in the prison of Sednaya”, which has become a by-word for the darkest abuses of Assad’s era.
Rapid Developments in Damascus
The rapid developments in Damascus come only hours after HTS said they had captured the strategic city of Homs, on the way to the capital.
US President’s Statement
US President Joe Biden was keeping a close eye on the “extraordinary events” unfolding in Syria, the White House said.
Conclusion
The fall of Damascus marks a significant turning point in the Syrian conflict, which has lasted for over a decade. The rebel factions’ declaration of victory is a major blow to the Assad regime, which has been in power for over five decades. The international community is closely watching the situation, with many calling for a political solution to the conflict.
FAQs
Q: What is the current situation in Damascus?
A: The city is under the control of the rebel factions, who have declared an end to Baath rule.
Q: What is the current status of President Bashar al-Assad?
A: He is reported to have fled the country, although this has not been officially confirmed.
Q: What is the situation with the Syrian army?
A: The army has withdrawn from areas around Damascus, and is reportedly redeploying and repositioning in other parts of the country.
Q: What is the international community saying about the situation?
A: The United Nations is calling for a political solution to the conflict, while the United States and Russia have expressed concern about the situation.