Syrian Government Collapses as Rebels Seize Damascus, Assad Flees
The Syrian government collapsed early Sunday as rebel forces launched a swift and successful offensive, seizing control of Damascus and bringing an end to President Bashar al-Assad’s 50-year rule. Syrian state television aired a statement from a group calling itself the Operations Room to Conquer Damascus, declaring that Assad had been overthrown and all prisoners had been freed. The group urged rebel fighters and citizens to protect the institutions of the new “free Syrian state.” Hours before the statement, Syrian opposition sources confirmed that Assad had fled the country, with reports indicating he had departed for an undisclosed location. His sudden departure followed a rapid insurgent advance across the country, leaving many in Damascus stunned by how quickly Assad’s hold on the capital collapsed after nearly 14 years of civil war. Celebrations erupted across the city as crowds poured into the streets, chanting “God is great” and waving the three-starred Syrian flag, symbolizing the pre-Assad era. Revelers stormed the presidential palace, tearing down portraits of the former president and looting government buildings. Videos from the city showed families taking items from the palace and defense ministry, while gunshots rang out in celebration. Syria’s pro-government al-Watan newspaper acknowledged the dramatic shift in power, expressing hope that the country would now enter a new chapter of unity. Meanwhile, the Alawite sect, Assad’s key support base, urged calm and warned against actions that could tear the country apart. The whereabouts of Assad remain unknown, and reports suggest he fled on a flight from Damascus early Sunday. Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali indicated the government was prepared to hand over its functions to a transitional administration. However, Jalali also confirmed he had lost contact with Assad late Saturday, further fueling speculation about the president’s escape. This marks a historic turning point in Syria’s brutal civil war, which has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions.
