Syrian rebels declared the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime on Sunday, signaling the end of his family’s 13-year authoritarian rule. The seismic development has sent shockwaves through the Middle East, reshaping the regional power balance and raising concerns about the country’s future.
The Syrian army’s command informed officers of the regime’s collapse, though it later claimed operations against “terrorist groups” were ongoing in Hama, Homs, and the Deraa countryside. Meanwhile, sources confirmed Assad fled Damascus for an undisclosed location early Sunday as rebels took control of the capital without encountering significant resistance.
Celebrations and New Leadership
Thousands of Syrians gathered in Damascus’ central square, waving flags and chanting “Freedom” to celebrate the end of more than half a century of Assad family rule. The rebels announced the release of political prisoners from Sednaya prison, a notorious detention center on the outskirts of Damascus.
In a statement, the Syrian rebel coalition declared its focus on establishing a transitional governing body with full executive powers. “The great Syrian revolution has moved from the stage of struggle to overthrow the Assad regime to the struggle to build a new Syria that honors the sacrifices of its people,” the coalition said.
Implications for the Region
The fall of Assad marks a dramatic turning point in Syria’s 13-year civil war, which has devastated the nation, killed hundreds of thousands, and displaced millions. It also delivers a blow to Assad’s key backers, Russia and Iran, whose influence in the region faces significant setbacks amidst ongoing conflicts like the Gaza war.
Challenges of Transition
While the ousting of Assad is seen as a victory for many, significant challenges lie ahead. The stability of western Syria, now under rebel control, remains uncertain. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al Qaeda affiliate and the most powerful rebel group, is poised to play a significant role in the new administration.
HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani, who severed ties with al Qaeda in 2016, has expressed a desire for an orderly transition to avoid chaos similar to post-2003 Iraq. However, HTS’s history has raised concerns among Syrians and international observers about potential Islamist rule and retaliatory actions.
Regional powers like the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, which view Islamist groups as existential threats, are likely to resist HTS’s influence. Western nations, meanwhile, face the dilemma of engaging with a new government that includes a group with a controversial past while sanctions on Syria remain in place.
Assad’s Whereabouts
Assad’s current location remains unknown. A Syrian Air flight reportedly departed Damascus airport around the time of the rebel takeover, initially heading towards Assad’s coastal Alawite stronghold before abruptly veering off course and disappearing from radar.
As the world watches, the next steps in Syria’s transition will shape the country’s future and reverberate across a region already marked by political and social turmoil.
