The Fall of Assad: A Historic Week in Syria

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime fell after 24 years, following a swift rebel offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. On December 8, 2024, rebels declared Damascus liberated, prompting Assad's flight to Russia. The aftermath includes celebrations, a transitional government appointed by former Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi al-Jalali, and looming challenges such as a power vacuum and humanitarian crises.

HASSAN BENYOUB HASSAN BENYOUB
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The Fall of Assad: A Historic Week in Syria
The Fall of Assad

In a stunning turn of events, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime has been toppled after 24 years of rule, marking the end of the Assad family's 50-year grip on power in Syria. This historic development unfolded over a mere 12 days, as rebel forces launched a surprise offensive that swiftly swept through government-held areas and recaptured the capital, Damascus.

Key Developments

Rebel Offensive
A coalition of rebel groups, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), initiated an unexpected offensive on November 27, 2024. The rebels quickly seized control of major urban areas, including:

  • Aleppo (Syria's largest city)
  • Hama
  • Homs
  • Damascus

Assad's Flight
As rebel forces encircled Damascus, President Assad and his family reportedly fled to Russia, where they were granted political asylum. The exact circumstances of Assad's departure remain unclear, with the last confirmed sighting occurring on Saturday evening.

Rebel Victory Declaration
On Sunday, December 8, 2024, rebel forces announced the "liberation" of Damascus in a video broadcast on state television[1]. This declaration effectively marked the end of the Assad regime's control over Syria.

Factors Contributing to Assad's Downfall

Several key factors contributed to the rapid collapse of the Assad regime:

  1. Weakened Allies: Assad's primary supporters, Russia and Iran, were preoccupied with other conflicts, leaving Syria with diminished military backing.
  2. Rebel Coalition: A newly formed rebel alliance, spearheaded by HTS, united various opposition factions in their fight against the Assad regime.
  3. Strategic Gains: The rebels' capture of Homs, a crucial entry point to Damascus, played a significant role in their swift advance towards the capital.

Immediate Aftermath

Celebrations
Following the regime's collapse, Syrians took to the streets in celebration, with crowds chanting anti-Assad slogans and waving the green flag symbolizing Syria's uprising.

Transitional Government
Mohammed Ghazi al-Jalali, Syria's former Prime Minister under Assad, has been appointed to oversee state institutions and ensure the continuity of social services until they are handed over to a new government.

International Reactions
U.S. President Joe Biden described the collapse of the Assad regime as a "historic opportunity" for Syrians to forge a better future, while also acknowledging the risks and uncertainties ahead.

Challenges and Uncertainties

As Syria enters a new chapter, several challenges and uncertainties loom:

  1. Power Vacuum: The sudden collapse of the regime has left a power vacuum, raising questions about who will govern Syria in the long term.
  2. Sectarian Tensions: Reports of harassment and threats against minority religious and sectarian groups have emerged, raising concerns about potential interfaith or sectarian violence.
  3. Regional Stability: The fall of Assad could have far-reaching implications for regional stability and the balance of power in the Middle East.
  4. Humanitarian Crisis: Syria continues to face a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and widespread poverty.

As the situation in Syria continues to evolve, the international community watches closely to see how this historic change will shape the future of the country and the broader region.

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