Dec 8, 2024 (Reuters) – In a historic turn of events, Syrian rebels have declared the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad after capturing Damascus, forcing him into an undisclosed location and ending his family’s decades-long rule. This marks the culmination of over 13 years of civil war, bringing significant geopolitical shifts to the Middle East.
The fall of Damascus to the rebels has dealt a heavy blow to the influence of Russia and Iran, Assad’s staunch allies throughout the conflict. Reports confirm that Iran’s embassy in Damascus was stormed by rebel forces, signaling a dramatic shift in control. According to sources, Syria’s military command informed officers that Assad’s rule had officially ended, but military operations against “terrorist groups” are still ongoing in the cities of Hama, Homs, and Deraa.
Assad, who has remained silent since rebels advanced a week ago, fled the capital on Sunday for an unknown destination, as his whereabouts, along with those of his wife Asma and their children, remain unclear.
Rebel forces, now in control of Damascus, celebrated the fall of the regime, with thousands of Syrians gathering in the capital’s main square, chanting “Freedom” and waving banners marking the end of Assad’s family rule. The Syrian rebel coalition has vowed to establish a transitional government to guide the country through this new chapter.
Syria’s Transition and International Reactions
The collapse of Assad’s regime represents a critical juncture for Syria, which has been devastated by a brutal civil war that has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions. As the rebels push forward with plans to form a transitional government, their next challenge is to stabilize the western areas they’ve captured, including the complex military dynamics at play. One significant concern is the role of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a globally designated terrorist group, which is expected to have influence in the new administration.
In the midst of these developments, U.S. forces are maintaining their presence in eastern Syria, particularly to prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State (ISIS), while countries such as Turkey, the UAE, and Egypt have expressed concerns about the rise of Islamist groups in the new Syrian political landscape. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized that extremist organizations must not exploit Syria’s instability.
The Key Role of HTS in Syria’s Future
HTS, once affiliated with al-Qaeda as the Nusra Front, has led the rebel advances in western Syria. While some Syrians fear the imposition of strict Islamist rule, experts suggest that HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani seeks a more orderly transition to avoid the chaos seen in Iraq after Saddam Hussein’s fall. Joshua Landis, a Syria expert at the University of Oklahoma, noted that HTS will likely need international support to rebuild Syria, including the lifting of sanctions.
The future of Syria depends on how the transition unfolds, especially with international powers like the U.S., Russia, and regional players closely monitoring the situation. Countries like the UAE and Egypt, which are wary of extremism, may resist HTS’ growing influence.
Calls for Free Elections and a New Political Era
Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali has called for free elections to allow Syrians to choose their next leaders. However, the path to a peaceful transition is fraught with challenges, given the competing interests of Islamist factions, U.S.-backed groups, and foreign powers like Russia and Turkey. Jalali has also been in contact with HTS leader Golani to discuss managing the transitional period, signaling potential collaboration in shaping Syria’s political future.
