Segun Atanda/
Syrian rebels declared the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad today, after capturing Damascus, ending over 13 years of civil war and decades of family rule.
Assad fled the capital early today, but his exact location remains unknown.
Senior military officers suggested he left for an undisclosed destination, while some reports hint at possible refuge in neighboring countries like Iran or the UAE.
The rebels’ victory also deals a significant blow to Assad’s key allies, Russia and Iran. Following the takeover, Syrian rebels stormed Iran’s embassy in Damascus, as reported by Iran’s Press TV.
The Syrian military confirmed Assad’s removal but claimed it is still conducting operations in Hama, Homs, and Deraa.
The rebel coalition pledged to establish a transitional governing body with full executive powers.
In a statement, they celebrated the release of prisoners from Sednaya prison and promised to build a new Syria honoring the sacrifices of its people. Thousands gathered in Damascus, waving flags and chanting for freedom from decades of Assad family rule.
Reports of Assad’s flight have sparked widespread speculation. Some sources claim he and his family sought refuge in Iran, while others suggest he may have fled to the UAE or Russia.
UAE officials have denied knowledge of his presence. Assad has not made a public statement since the rebels’ advance began a week ago.
The fall of Assad marks a shift in Middle Eastern dynamics. Hezbollah, a critical ally, suffered severe losses to Israeli strikes, while Russia’s focus has shifted to the Ukraine war. Meanwhile, Turkish-backed forces advanced in northern Syria, further eroding Assad’s control.
Western governments must now decide how to engage with a new administration where the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) may hold significant influence.
The U.S. has vowed to prevent a resurgence of ISIS, while Turkey has urged caution to avoid empowering extremist factions.
Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali called for free elections, but Syria’s transition remains uncertain. Rebel forces have launched fresh attacks on Kurdish-led groups in northern towns like Manbij, complicating the already fragile post-Assad landscape.
Observers warn that without international support, Syria risks further instability, even as Syrians celebrate the end of decades-long authoritarian rule.
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