Breaking: Syrian President Flees Damascus on Plane as His Government Collapses

By Evans Momodu
4 minute read


Syria’s government appears to have fallen following a swift rebel offensive that has brought significant changes to the country’s political landscape.

President Bashar al-Assad reportedly fled Damascus for an undisclosed location, according to senior army officers and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Syrian army command has informed officers that Assad's 24-year rule is over.

The rebel coalition, consisting of various opposition groups, has declared its intention to transition Syria to a new government.

In a statement, the coalition described this as a pivotal moment, transitioning from a struggle to overthrow Assad to a focus on building a united Syria.

Key developments include the rebels' capture of Homs, which led to widespread celebrations, with crowds chanting, “Assad is gone, Homs is free,” and “Long live Syria.”

In Damascus, thousands gathered in the streets, chanting for freedom and celebrating what many see as the collapse of Assad’s regime.

Reports suggest that government soldiers deserted their posts as the rebels advanced on the capital, marking their first significant presence near Damascus since 2018.

In an extraordinary scene, citizens reportedly looted the presidential palace and the Defense Ministry in Damascus, though these accounts remain unverified.

The rebels also reportedly freed prisoners from the infamous Saydnaya military prison and stormed Iran’s embassy in Damascus, signaling a profound shift in the balance of power.

Iran and Russia, longtime allies of Assad, have turned their backs on him, though their broader roles in the region remain critical.

Meanwhile, Syria’s Prime Minister, Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, called for a peaceful transition of power, emphasizing the need for the continued functioning of public institutions. He refrained from commenting on Assad’s reported flight.

These developments have sparked jubilant celebrations across the country, with symbols of the Assad regime, such as statues of the president’s late father, being toppled in public squares.

The rapid advances by the opposition and the apparent fall of the Assad government mark a dramatic turning point in Syria's protracted conflict, signaling a new phase of uncertainty and opportunity for the nation.
Source: Sky news