Where is Assad? The Syrian president who ruled for over two decades

Assad’s presidency began reluctantly after the sudden death of his brother Bassel in 1994.

Syria's long-time leader, President Bashar al-Assad, reportedly fled the country on Sunday, bringing an abrupt end to his 24-year rule and signaling the collapse of his family's decades-long control over the nation. His ouster came after rebel forces, led by Islamist factions, captured Damascus in a rapid and decisive offensive, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing Syrian civil war. In a televised announcement, the rebels declared the liberation of the capital, with jubilant scenes filling the streets as citizens celebrated the downfall of Assad’s regime.

A Syrian military officer confirmed that Assad’s departure occurred just before rebel forces entered Damascus. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that he fled through Damascus International Airport, accompanied by the departure of key allies, including Hezbollah fighters. Interim Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali later confirmed the departure, expressing his commitment to ensuring a peaceful transition and stabilizing Syria by restoring diplomatic ties with neighboring countries and the international community.

This surprise offensive, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), made swift gains, capturing cities like Aleppo, Homs, and Daraa within just two weeks. The rebels also liberated thousands of detainees from the infamous Sednaya prison, further symbolizing the collapse of Assad’s repressive regime. With several strategic territories now under their control, HTS declared that public institutions would continue to function under Jalali’s leadership until a new government was established.

Assad’s fall represents the end of more than 50 years of Baath Party rule in Syria. The United Nations has raised alarms over the humanitarian impact, with over 370,000 people displaced and hundreds killed in recent clashes. World leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, have called for an urgent political solution to the crisis and peace talks to ensure Syria’s future stability.

Assad: From reformer to authoritarian

Bashar al-Assad ascended to the presidency in 2000 following the death of his father, Hafez al-Assad. Initially viewed as a reformer, his leadership quickly soured after a brutal response to the 2011 Arab Spring protests. His violent crackdown on dissent triggered a devastating civil war that has since claimed more than 500,000 lives and displaced millions. Throughout the conflict, Assad consistently portrayed his regime as fighting against "terrorists" and foreign-backed insurgents. However, his methods became notorious for using chemical weapons, torture, and other brutal tactics against his own people.

Despite his reliance on alliances with Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, Assad had managed to regain control of much of Syria’s territory over the years. Nevertheless, the Islamist-led offensive launched on November 27 rapidly dismantled his power base. By Sunday, rebel forces claimed victory in the capital, and while the Syrian government has yet to officially confirm Assad’s departure, opposition factions have celebrated the moment as the end of a tyrannical era.

As the longest-serving president in Syria's modern history, Assad presented himself as the protector of minorities and the only leader capable of stabilising a war-torn country. His reign was, however, defined by a brutal crackdown on protests, which escalated into a full-scale civil war. His justification for such actions was framed as a fight against terrorism, portraying the conflict as part of a broader foreign conspiracy aimed at destabilising the region.

Assad’s presidency began reluctantly after the sudden death of his brother Bassel in 1994. Following the passing of his father, he assumed control of the presidency, initially being seen as a more moderate figure. Over time, however, his regime became synonymous with authoritarian rule, marked by widespread torture, chemical weapons use, and the displacement of millions of Syrians.

With Assad's regime in disarray, Syria now faces an uncertain future. The Islamist-led rebels, having gained significant ground, will now need to address the challenge of unifying their factions and rebuilding a shattered nation. The international community is closely monitoring developments, hoping for a peaceful political solution to the crisis. While Assad’s downfall marks the beginning of a new chapter in Syria's tumultuous history, the path to peace and recovery remains fraught with challenges.