In a historic shift on December 8, 2024, Syrian rebels announced the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime after swiftly taking control of the capital, Damascus. This marks the end of over 50 years of Assad family rule, which has been plagued by civil unrest and a devastating war for more than a decade.
The rebel victory signals a drastic political shift in Syria, and although Assad fled the capital aboard a plane, his current whereabouts remain unclear. Reports suggest that the Syrian military has already begun regrouping in other strategic areas, including Hama and Homs.
Celebrations erupted across Syria, particularly in Damascus, where thousands took to the streets chanting “Freedom” and waving flags. Rebels freed thousands of prisoners, some held for years in notorious facilities like Sednaya prison.
As the rebel forces solidify their position, they are working on establishing a transitional government, but the future remains uncertain. Many questions remain about the role of extremist groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which played a key role in the recent offensive.
This turn of events has significant ramifications for Syria’s future and could reshape the power dynamics in the Middle East. International stakeholders, including Russia and Iran, who had long supported Assad, are left grappling with the loss of their key ally.
