Rebel fighters from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) claimed they have captured the Syrian capital, Damascus, marking a significant turn in the Syrian civil war. President Bashar al-Assad has reportedly fled the country amid the rebels' rapid advance, which also includes the capture of other key cities like Homs and Aleppo. The situation remains fluid, with international reactions mixed and the future governance of Syria uncertain.
In a dramatic escalation of the Syrian civil war, rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have claimed control over Damascus, the capital of Syria, and reported that President Bashar al-Assad has fled the country. This development could potentially end the long-standing Assad regime, which has been marked by severe internal conflict and international controversy. The rebels' rapid advances and the capture of multiple key cities signal a significant shift in the power dynamics within Syria.
The HTS rebels, previously affiliated with Al Qaeda, executed a swift and strategic campaign, capturing Damascus as well as other major Syrian cities like Homs and Aleppo within days. This series of victories has been described as the culmination of years of military strengthening and tactical planning by the rebels. The fall of Damascus came shortly after the rebels claimed control over Homs and Aleppo, indicating a significant weakening of government forces and the potential collapse of Assad's rule [1].
The international community has reacted cautiously to the developments in Syria. The United States, through President-elect Donald Trump, stated that it should not get involved in the conflict, suggesting a hands-off approach. Meanwhile, the situation has led to concerns about the potential for HTS to govern Syria, given its previous ties to extremist groups. Experts are watching closely to see if HTS will adopt a governance model similar to the Taliban in Afghanistan or revert to its former radical ideologies [2].
The conflict and the recent takeover by rebel forces have raised significant humanitarian concerns, particularly regarding the fate of prisoners in facilities like Sednaya prison, which has been notorious for human rights abuses. Additionally, the whereabouts and future actions of Bashar al-Assad remain uncertain, with conflicting reports about his location. This uncertainty adds to the instability and fear among the Syrian population [3].
The capture of Damascus by HTS rebels and the reported flight of President Bashar al-Assad mark a potential turning point in the Syrian civil war. The future of Syria now hangs in the balance, with the international community watching closely. The ability of HTS to transition from a rebel group to a governing body remains to be seen, as does the response of Assad's remaining loyalists and international allies like Russia and Iran.
"We declare the city of Damascus free from the tyrant Bashar al-Assad." - Hassan Abdul-Ghani
"THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT." - Donald Trump