Historic Shift in Syria: Islamist Rebels Claim Control of Damascus
In a dramatic turn of events, Islamist rebels in Syria have reportedly seized control of the capital, Damascus, marking what many are calling the end of Bashar al-Assad's regime after 13 years of civil war. According to various sources, Assad fled the city early in the morning, as reported by the German news agency dpa, citing information from Syrian officers on the ground.
The insurgents, who have formed an alliance known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), declared the liberation of the city through social media channels, announcing that the Assad regime was officially no more. The army command was said to have communicated this development to government soldiers, effectively putting them out of service.
Abu Mohammed al-Julani, the leader of the rebel alliance, relayed a message that their objective is to assume power peacefully. He assured the public that while the situations unfold, military forces would be prohibited from approaching critical public institutions, which will remain under the supervision of the former Prime Minister until an official transition takes place. No military actions or gunfire would be tolerated in the city.
This announcement marks a significant milestone in the country’s tumultuous history, as rebels proclaimed, "The tyrant Bashar al-Assad has fled." They also noted that December 8 will be remembered as the day that signifies the conclusion of more than five decades of oppressive rule, spanned initially by Assad's father, Hafez al-Assad, and continued by Bashar al-Assad.
In a message to the millions of refugees displaced by the ongoing conflict, the insurgents stated, "To the displaced worldwide, a free Syria awaits you." As news spread of the regime's collapse, jubilation erupted in downtown Damascus, with reports of citizens celebrating in the streets, singing, and even climbing onto military tanks.
The recent resurgence of civil conflict had begun on November 27 when HTS launched an offensive that quickly gained momentum, allowing the rebels to take control of multiple locations, including significant cities like Aleppo and Hama, with little to no resistance.
This development raises numerous questions about Syria's future. Will there be stability under the new regime? What does this mean for foreign relations, particularly with countries that had supported Assad? And most critically, how will the humanitarian situation evolve in a country that has suffered immensely?
As the world watches the events unfold, the hope remains that this newfound freedom will usher in a peaceful and prosperous era for the people of Syria.
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