Syria’s Assad regime topples, ending 50 years of Baath Rule

President Bashar al-Assad

In a historic development, Islamist-led rebel forces, on Sunday, declared the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, marking the end of over 50 years of Baath Party dominance in Syria. The announcement comes close on the heels of a rapid rebel offensive in the capture of Damascus.

The capital city broke out in celebrations as residents poured into the streets, indicating the end of Assad's rule. Rebel leaders proclaimed, “We declare the city of Damascus free,” in a televised statement. Videos from the city showed fighters chanting "Allahu akbar" (God is greatest) while tearing down symbols of the regime, including a statue of Assad’s father, Hafez al-Assad.

President Assad, meanwhile, reportedly fled the country via Damascus International Airport hours before rebels took control, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. His long-time allies, Hezbollah fighters, also abandoned their positions, accelerating the regime’s collapse.

Interim Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali confirmed Assad’s departure and expressed readiness for a peaceful transition of power. In a speech broadcast on social media, Jalali said, “Syria can now become a normal country, fostering good relations with its neighbors and the world.”

The offensive, spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), resulted in the swift capture of major cities, including Aleppo, Homs, and Daraa, within two weeks. In a symbolic move, rebels freed thousands of detainees from Sednaya prison, which had long stood as a symbol of Assad’s oppressive rule.

With vast territories now under their control, HTS announced that public institutions would remain operational under Jalali's supervision until a new government is formally established.

“This marks the end of tyranny and the beginning of a new era for Syria,” the group declared, urging Syrians abroad to return home and aid in rebuilding the nation.

As per the United Nations, the latest fighting displaced 370,000 people and claimed at least 826 lives. UN officials called for urgent political talks to implement a 2015 roadmap for peace and reconstruction.

The developments have drawn close international scrutiny. The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden is in constant consultation with allies regarding the crisis. Outgoing Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed the importance of a political solution, while President-elect Donald Trump reaffirmed his stance against US involvement in Syria’s affairs.

As the dust settles, the focus shifts to Syria’s future governance and the challenges of rebuilding a war-torn nation. Analysts warn of potential conflicts among rebel factions and the complexities of restoring stability to a fractured country.