Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year regime, appears to be drawing to a close. Reports indicate that on the morning of December 8, 2024, rebel forces took control of the capital city. The former Ophthalmologist turned dictator was reported to have fled the city of Damascus in a plane.
These insurgents also liberated prisoners from Saydnaya prison, notorious for holding numerous opposition supporters. The United Nations has labeled this facility a “human slaughterhouse” due to the documented torture and executions of those who opposed Assad’s rule.
The insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) had previously captured Homs, Syria’s third-largest city, before advancing their campaign towards Damascus.
In a statement shared via social media, Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi al-Jalali expressed his intention to remain in Damascus, asserting, “Syria can be a normal country that builds good relations with its neighbors and the world.”
Opposition leader Hadi al-Bahra announced the overthrow of the Assad government, reassuring citizens that their dignity would be upheld. Through a post on his social media account, he affirmed, “To our people of all sects and religions, as long as you do not raise arms against any other citizen and remain in your homes, you are safe.”
He emphasized that there would be no acts of revenge or human rights violations, pledging to respect and preserve the dignity of the people.
Prior to these developments, the Assad family had ruled Syria for nearly 54 years. Footage aired by the BBC showed citizens celebrating by walking over the toppled statue of Hafez al-Assad, Bashar’s father, who held power for around 30 years. Consequently, the Assad dynasty has dominated Syria for close to 54 years in total.
In another report, people were seen looting a residence belonging to Bashar al-Assad, after he fled the country. An eyewitness told BBC reporter “I’ve never been into this street… I can see people rushing into this place in revenge and also with lots of happiness that they’ve managed to break in,”
