After Syrian rebel capture Damascus, Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad is reported to have left the country after losing significant territory to a swift offensive by the Islamist-led rebel coalition, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). As per the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Assad departed via Damascus International Airport, shortly before security forces abandoned their positions at the airport. The development comes amid a surge in violence, with HTS forces entering the Syrian capital on Sunday and claiming control of key areas.
Heavy gunfire was reported in Damascus as residents described widespread panic. A source close to Hezbollah, a key ally of Assad, confirmed that Hezbollah fighters had vacated positions around the capital, with some heading to Latakia and others relocating to Lebanon’s Hermel area. This withdrawal comes after HTS announced the “end of the era of tyranny” following their capture of the notorious Sednaya prison, where thousands of detainees held by the regime were released.
Syrian rebel offensive, which began on November 27, has rapidly gained momentum, capturing major cities such as Homs, and intensifying the five-year-long conflict. The group’s advance marks a significant challenge to the Assad regime, which has ruled Syria for over five decades. While the Syrian government denied reports of army withdrawals from key positions around Damascus, residents noted a state of fear gripping the capital, with citizens scrambling to withdraw money and secure supplies.
As the conflict escalates, the United Nations has reported that more than 370,000 people have been displaced due to the violence. The situation has drawn international attention, with countries such as Jordan, the United States, and Russia urging citizens to leave Syria. Additionally, the U.S. and other global powers have called for urgent political talks to address the crisis.
HTS, which has roots in Al-Qaeda, has softened its stance on minority groups in areas under its control, but the violence has resulted in significant casualties, including at least 111 civilians. As the conflict continues to unfold, Syria’s future remains uncertain, with global leaders, including US President-elect Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, weighing in on the situation, calling for an end to the bloodshed.
