Şevval Tufan
In a notable development, Syrian insurgents declared the termination of President Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year reign on Sunday, signaling the end of years of autocratic leadership. This announcement came during their initial appearance on state television following a swift and unforeseen military campaign.
A Syrian officer stated to Reuters that army command had notified officers regarding the collapse of the regime. Nevertheless, the Syrian army
subsequently announced that it was continuing its operations against “terrorist groups” in Hama, Homs, and the countryside of Deraa.
Reports indicate that Assad departed from Damascus for an unknown destination earlier on Sunday. Rebel forces, asserting that they had infiltrated the capital with minimal military opposition, rejoiced in their advancements. In Damascus, thousands assembled in a main square, chanting “Freedom” and waving flags to commemorate the conclusion of more than 50 years of rule by the Assad family.
This development marks a significant transformation in the Middle East, undermining a crucial power alliance with Russia and Iran. The collapse of Assad’s administration has sparked worries about the stability of the region, especially given the role of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a leading rebel faction known for its past connections to al-Qaeda. Analysts foresee difficulties in establishing stability in the areas that have come under rebel authority and expect that Western countries will reassess their approach to Syria’s shifting leadership.
The takeover of Homs, a critical site in Syria, highlights the resurgence of the rebels. Previously devastated by extended blockades, the city now represents the opposition’s remarkable revival. The rebels liberated thousands of detainees and regained ground that connects Damascus to the coastal areas, severing Assad’s Alawite stronghold.
At the same time, there is growing speculation about Assad’s future. Accounts suggest that a Syrian Air flight departing from Damascus executed a sudden maneuver before vanishing from the radar, prompting some to suspect it might have been shot down. President Joe Biden of the United States remarked that his administration was keeping a close watch on the developments.
During the celebrations, the leader of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, Mazloum Abdi, referred to the event as a historic milestone, imagining a future Syria built on principles of democracy and justice. The forthcoming days are expected to shape the path of this significant era in Syrian history.
News Source: Reuters
