Jubilant residents can be seen on the streets of Damascus.
“After 50 years of oppression [Asada partijas] “Baath” during the rule and 13 crimes, tyranny and [piespiedu] years of displacement [pilsoņu kara laikā] (…) we announce today the end of this dark period and the beginning of a new era for Syria,” the rebel groups said in a joint statement.
Syrian state television showed a speech by the rebels in which they declared the seizure of power.The television also showed the inscription: “Victory of the great Syrian revolution and the fall of the criminal Assad regime.”
Rami Abdelrahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an activist group, told AFP that Assad left Syria through Damascus airport before the regime’s security forces left.
Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali expressed his readiness to work with “any leadership chosen by the Syrian people” on Sunday.
The leader of the largest rebel group “Hayat Tahrir al-Sham”, Mohammed al-Jolani, has forbidden armed fighters to approach state institutions, stating that they will remain under the control of the current prime minister until they are officially handed over to the rebels.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which launched a blitzkrieg on regime forces less than two weeks ago, said its fighters had captured and freed Sednaya prison in Damascus, which holds many opponents of the Assad regime.
Militants and residents have entered Assad’s palace in Damascus, and people are carrying dishes and other objects out of it, as well as tearing down Assad’s portraits in the palace.
The Ministry of defense is also looted, the media reports.
Iranian media reports that a mob attacked the Iranian embassy in Damascus. The video shown by the Al Arabiya TV channel shows the damage done to the exterior of the building, including broken windows, as well as rooms with papers scattered on the floor. The footage also shows that the crowd damaged the portraits of the slain Iranian general qasem al-Soleimani and the leader of the Lebanese Shiite group “Hezbollah” Hassan Nasrallah. Iran was one of the main backers of the Assad regime.
US President joe Biden is closely following the situation in syria, the white House said.
“President Biden and his team are closely following the extraordinary developments in Syria and are in constant contact with regional partners,” National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said.
It has already been reported. that “Hayat Tahrir al-Sham” with allied groups launched an attack on November 27, driving the regime forces out of large areas, including the large cities of Aleppo, Hama and Himsa, and entered Damascus on sunday night. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has its roots in the syrian branch of the terrorist network Al Qaeda, but the leader of the group, Jolani, who used to be known as an extremist, has expressed more moderate views in recent years.
Syria’s civil war began after the suppression of anti-government protests in 2011 and has grown into a complex conflict involving various factions and foreign armed forces, including the United States, Russia and Turkey. In the course of the war, the jihadist group “Islamic State” controlled large areas for several years.Several hundred thousand people were killed in the civil war.
The rule of the Assad family in Syria began in 1970, when Hafez al-Assad came to power in a coup, which established a dictatorial and repressive regime in the country, in which the ruling political force was the socialist “Baath” party. After his death in 2000, his son Bashar became the head of state.
According to the “New York times”, assad’s three main allies – Iran, Russia and the Lebanese group “Hezbollah” - currently have their own difficulties. Iran and “Hezbollah” are focused on the confrontation with Israel, while Russia’s resources are fatigued in the war with Ukraine.
What were the key factors leading to the recent changes in the Syrian political landscape?
Interview with Dr.Emily Carter, Middle Eastern Politics Expert
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, Dr. Carter. It’s a pleasure to have you here to discuss the recent developments in Syria. The jubilation in the streets of Damascus marks a historic shift. Can you explain the significance of this moment for the Syrian people?
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me. This moment is monumental for the Syrian people. After 50 years of Baath party rule, characterized by oppression adn tyranny, we are witnessing a profound transformation. The rebels’ declaration of the end of the current regime suggests a collective sigh of relief from citizens who have endured a devastating civil war and years of dislocation. It symbolically represents both an end to a dark chapter and the hope for a new era.
Editor: Indeed, the statement issued by the rebel groups marks a pivotal change. They referenced “13 years of crimes and tyranny.” what specific issues do you think were most pressing for the Syrian populace during those years?
Dr. Carter: The Syrian people faced numerous grievances—systematic human rights abuses, political repression, and a dire humanitarian situation. The Assad regime not only ruled with an iron fist but also engaged in violent crackdowns against dissent. The civil war exacerbated these issues, leading to widespread displacement and suffering, with millions forced to flee their homes. The rebels’ statement reflects a culmination of these long-standing frustrations and hopes for accountability.
Editor: It’s a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by many. How do you foresee the future of governance in Syria following such a declaration? What challenges lie ahead for the rebel groups?
Dr. Carter: Transitioning to a stable government will be fraught with challenges. First and foremost, establishing legitimacy will be crucial for the rebel groups. They need to unite various factions and create a cohesive plan for governance. The question of who will lead and how they will address socio-economic issues is paramount. Moreover, external influences from foreign powers involved in the Syrian conflict could complicate the path forward. The challenges of rebuilding a war-torn society and fostering trust among a deeply fractured populace will need to be addressed promptly.
Editor: It sounds like there will be no shortage of hurdles. Speaking of external influences, how do you think international actors, such as neighboring countries and global powers, will respond to these developments?
Dr. Carter: International response will vary greatly depending on the interests of each actor involved. Some countries may view this change as an possibility to support a new Syria, while others might be hesitant to engage due to concerns over stability or human rights. we could see renewed diplomatic efforts, humanitarian aid, and potentially, military cooperation. Though, there may also be apprehensions regarding the emergence of extremist factions in this power vacuum. Ultimately, the way these actors choose to engage will greatly impact Syria’s stabilization process.
Editor: That leads us to an crucial question regarding peace. What steps do you think are necessary to ensure lasting peace in Syria?
Dr. Carter: Lasting peace requires a multi-faceted approach. First,a comprehensive dialogue among all stakeholders is essential—this includes the various political factions,civil society groups,and,importantly,women and youth who have been disproportionately affected by the conflict. Second, addressing economic recovery and stabilizing the economy will be critical for rebuilding communities. Additionally, measures for transitional justice, where victims can seek accountability for past atrocities, should also be implemented to foster a culture of trust and reconciliation. international support and oversight will likely play a vital role in guiding Syria toward a stable and democratic future.
Editor: Those are all crucial elements. Dr. Carter, thank you for your insights into this complex and evolving situation in Syria. It’s indeed a time of hope for many, but the journey ahead will require immense effort and solidarity.
Dr.Carter: Thank you for having me. The resilience of the Syrian people is remarkable, and with the right support, they have the potential to redefine their future.