Syria’s government appears to be on the brink of collapse after opposition forces advanced into the capital, Damascus, signaling a dramatic shift in the ongoing civil war.
Reports emerging early Sunday suggest that President Bashar al-Assad has fled the country, leaving the capital in a state of turmoil. Opposition fighters claimed to have entered the city, with residents reporting widespread gunfire and explosions as the regime’s grip on power weakened.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a key opposition monitoring group, confirmed the reports, citing multiple sources indicating that Assad had boarded a flight to an undisclosed location. This information was corroborated by two senior military officers who spoke on condition of anonymity. However, U.S. officials, speaking to CBS News, expressed uncertainty about Assad’s exact whereabouts.
In response to the rapidly changing situation, Syrian military leaders reportedly informed their officers that Assad’s rule had effectively ended. Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali addressed the nation, stating that the government was prepared to transfer authority to a transitional body. Although he remained in Syria, Jalali made no direct mention of Assad’s departure, urging citizens to safeguard public property in the midst of the chaos.
Meanwhile, state-run media outlets reported that Damascus International Airport had been evacuated, with all flights grounded. Opposition forces claimed to have successfully entered Saydnaya military prison, freeing numerous detainees who had been held by the regime.
The fall of Damascus followed a significant offensive launched by opposition forces on November 27, which saw insurgents encircle the capital and seize control of several key cities, including Homs. This marks the first time in years that opposition fighters have reached Damascus, which had been considered a stronghold of Assad’s power since 2018.
Reports also indicate that Iranian-backed militias, who have been key supporters of Assad’s regime, began withdrawing from Syria as the offensive gained momentum. U.S. officials had previously predicted the collapse of the Syrian capital, describing the insurgents’ progress as swift and unprecedented in scale.
As the situation continues to unfold, opposition forces are working to consolidate control of the capital and other key areas, preparing for what remains an uncertain and volatile future for Syria.
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