Rebels Declare Control Over Damascus as Assad's Fate Remains Uncertain
In a remarkable turn of events, Syrian rebels proclaimed on December 8 that they had taken control of the capital, Damascus, following a rapid offensive that swept through the country. The rebels claimed in a social media statement, "Damascus is now free of Assad."
As the situation develops, the whereabouts of President Bashar al-Assad have become a point of speculation. According to reports from the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, it is suggested that Assad departed Damascus by flight. However, the destination of his flight remains unknown, and this claim has yet to be substantiated.
In a video statement, Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali indicated that the government is prepared to work with any leadership chosen by the Syrian people. He stated, "We believe that Syria is for all Syrians and that it is the country of all its sons... This country can be a normal state that builds good relations with its neighbors and the world without entering into any regional alliances and blocs." Al-Jalali also reassured the public that he was still present in Damascus and had not fled the capital.
The offensive gaining momentum was reportedly led by Abu Mohammad al-Golani, the leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebel group. Just a day earlier, al-Golani asserted that the insurgent fighters were in the final stages of liberation for Homs, a significant city with a population of around 775,000.
Despite their gains, HTS is classified as a terrorist organization by the United States, Britain, Canada, and the European Union, complicating the geopolitical landscape further.
Experts suggest that the potential fall of the Assad regime would pose a considerable setback for the Kremlin, as Russia, alongside Tehran, has supported Assad's government during the prolonged civil war. The U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War noted that Assad's forces appear to have collapsed, with little indication that Assad's allies are willing to reinforce the Syrian Arab Army amid the rebels' swift advancements.
In terms of military presence, Russia operates several key military installations in Syria, including an air base at Hmeimim and naval facilities in Tartus. The future of these bases remains in question as the rebels continue to gain territory. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov refrained from commenting on the status of the bases, stating that he prefers not to speculate on such matters.
The U.S. State Department confirmed on December 7 that it is meticulously monitoring the unfolding situation in Syria. A spokesperson emphasized the importance of protecting civilians, particularly members of minority groups, during this turbulent period.
Prior to the rebels' declaration of taking Damascus, there were indicators of chaos within the capital, with critical supply shortages reported. The offensive, characterized by its surprise element, was launched by a coalition of rebel factions, prominently featuring HTS and allied Turkish-backed Syrian militias known as the Syrian National Army. Experts assert that while Turkey has denied its involvement directly in the offensive, the likelihood that these factions could operate without at least tacit approval from Ankara seems low.
The United Nations noted that nearly 300,000 people had been displaced in Syria since late November due to the escalating conflict, with projections that as many as 1.5 million could be forced to flee as the rebel forces continue to make gains at the expense of Assad and his allies.
Since the recent capture of Aleppo by the rebels, their momentum has seen them conquer other major urban centers, with Assad's forces providing minimal resistance. As the situation in Syria continues to evolve, the international community watches closely, pondering the implications of an Assad-less Syria and the potential vacuum it could create in a region already fraught with tension.
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