Syrian President Bashar Assad Flees the Country amidst Rebel Advance, Government Collapses
In a stunning turn of events, Syrian President Bashar Assad has reportedly fled the country, with sources claiming he left Damascus on a flight Sunday. This comes after a remarkable rebel offensive saw insurgents entering the capital, signaling the likely fall of the Assad regime and the end of over 50 years of Assad family rule. Rami Abdurrahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, confirmed that Assad left the country ahead of the advancing forces. Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali, however, remained in his office, asserting in a video statement that the government was prepared to engage in talks with the opposition and transition to a new government. He called on citizens to respect public property and insisted he would continue his duties. While Jalali did not confirm Assad’s departure, state media in Iran, Assad’s key ally, corroborated reports that the president had left Damascus, citing Qatar’s Al Jazeera news network. This marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict, with the government on the brink of collapse.