Bashar al-Assad's 24-Year Rule Ends as Rebels Seize Damascus

Bashar al-Assad's two-decade-long rule over Syria has come to an end after rebel forces captured Damascus, marking the fall of the Assad family’s 54-year regime. Assad and his family have fled to Moscow, where they have been granted asylum by Russia on humanitarian grounds.

The swift collapse of Assad’s government follows a 12-day offensive by rebel groups, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied factions, who successfully seized key cities, including Aleppo, Homs, and Hama, before capturing the Syrian capital. The fall of Damascus on December 8 prompted Assad’s departure, with rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani declaring victory from a mosque in the capital.

Rebels Capitalize on Weak Defenses

The timing of the rebel offensive coincided with a period of weakened Syrian defenses. Assad’s key allies, Russia and Iran, were preoccupied with other conflicts—Russia with its ongoing war in Ukraine and Iran with escalating tensions with Israel. This left Assad’s forces vulnerable to the well-coordinated rebel attacks.

Rebels swiftly overran government-held territories in northern Syria before advancing southward. On November 27, they launched an assault on Aleppo and Idlib provinces. By December 5, they had captured the strategic city of Hama, just 200 kilometers from Damascus. The final push into the capital saw minimal resistance as government forces retreated.

Celebrations in Damascus

As the regime collapsed, jubilant Syrians took to the streets of Damascus. Statues of Hafez al-Assad, Bashar’s father, were toppled, symbolizing the end of an era. Rebel forces raised their flags across the capital, marking their victory.

Meanwhile, reports surfaced of looting at the presidential palace as citizens reclaimed government-held areas. Rebel leaders announced plans for a transitional government, vowing to restore stability after years of civil war.

International Reactions

Russia, which had long supported Assad, confirmed his arrival in Moscow and called for an emergency United Nations meeting to address the crisis. Iran expressed concern over the fall of its ally but assured continued support for Syria's territorial integrity.

Western nations have cautiously welcomed the regime's collapse, emphasizing the need for inclusive political reform. Turkey has urged unity among rebel factions to prevent chaos, while Israel is closely monitoring the situation to prevent extremist groups from gaining access to advanced weaponry.

Challenges Ahead

The fall of the Assad regime marks a turning point in Syria’s history. However, the challenges are immense. Millions of displaced Syrians, devastated infrastructure, and the presence of extremist elements within the rebel coalition pose significant hurdles to rebuilding the nation.

As Syrians celebrate the end of a long dictatorship, the world watches closely, hoping for a peaceful and stable transition to a new government.

Why Did the Collapse Happen in Just 12 Days?

The ongoing wars in Eastern Europe and West Asia weakened Syria's key allies. Russia is preoccupied with the war in Ukraine, while Iran is entangled in conflicts with Israel. The rebels saw this as an opportune moment. Armed groups "Hayat Tahrir al-Sham" (HTS) and their allies, "Jaish al-Izza," launched aggressive attacks, leaving Syria’s government cornered and unable to resist due to a lack of support from its allies.

Here is a timeline of Syria’s recent events over the past 12 days:

November 27:

Rebel forces attacked government-controlled areas in northwestern Syria, claiming to have liberated more than 15 villages in Aleppo province. The offensive was primarily led by HTS. Although the government retaliated with airstrikes, it was ineffective.

November 28:

The rebels advanced further into Idlib province near the border, forcing government troops to retreat.

November 29:

Rebels entered Aleppo, Syria's largest city, which they had been driven out of in 2016 with help from Russia and Iran. This time, the rebels faced little resistance.

November 30:

The rebels declared Aleppo under their control, including its international airport. By evening, parts of Hama province also fell under rebel control.

December 1:

The Syrian government launched counterattacks in Idlib and Aleppo, including airstrikes. Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, visited Damascus to assure Bashar of Tehran's support.

December 2-4:

Facing resistance in some areas, the rebels moved south, reaching within 10 kilometers of Hama, Syria’s fourth-largest city and an essential strategic location. Turkey urged Bashar to negotiate with the rebels.

December 5:

Rebels captured Hama, symbolizing the resurgence of the 2011 uprising. They celebrated by firing into the air.

December 6:

Rebels entered Homs, Syria’s third-largest city and a gateway to the capital. Homs also houses two critical oil refineries, adding to its significance. While Bashar’s administration denied retreating, high-level talks regarding Syria began in Doha, involving Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Iran, and Russia.

December 7:

Government forces withdrew from Homs, leaving it entirely under rebel control. Rebels claimed to have encircled Damascus, marking the final stage of their operation.

December 8:

Syria’s state media confirmed the government’s collapse. Rebels released prisoners, and rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani declared victory at a mosque in Damascus. Russian and Iranian media reported Bashar’s escape to Russia with his family, where he has been granted asylum. Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali softened his tone, announcing the government's readiness to negotiate with the rebels and transfer power.