In a stunning turn of events, rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir Al Sham ousted Bashar Al Assad’s regime, capturing Damascus and declaring Syria free. This implies a significant shift in the ongoing civil war, as Assad appears to have fled amid the chaos, leaving a power vacuum in the capital and a new governance structure under Prime Minister Mohammad Jalali.
The recent developments in Syria mark a significant turning point in the prolonged civil war that began in 2011. On a surprising Sunday, rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS) succeeded in ousting the regime of Bashar Al Assad, seizing control of Damascus. The collapse of Assad’s regime, which had ruled for over five decades, was both swift and unexpected, particularly with the diminishing support from allies Iran and Russia.
The civil war initially ignited as part of the Arab Spring, threatening Assad’s grip on power. After years of conflict, relative stability appeared to return until the recent actions of HTS and the Free Syrian Army. Their capture of Aleppo last week ignited renewed momentum in their offensive, leading to the quick succession of city captures.
The fall of Damascus was expedited as rebel forces claimed several key cities, including Daraa, Quneitra, Suwayda, and Homs, within days before reaching the capital. Remarkably, the rebels took control of Saydnaya prison and liberating former political prisoners. As the army appeared weakened and disorganized, reports surfaced that Assad may have fled the country just prior to the rebels’ arrival.
In the aftermath of these events, Prime Minister Mohammad Jalali stated the government’s readiness to collaborate with opposition forces and protect public properties. Meanwhile, celebrations erupted among the populace in response to the regime’s downfall, with some taking direct action against symbols of Assad’s rule.
Currently, Assad’s fate remains unclear, with early reports suggesting potential flight and speculation surrounding his transport. Amidst the chaos, HTS announced a new era of governance, pledging to preserve government structures under the authority of Jalali, signaling the start of a new chapter for Syria.
Syria has endured a devastating civil war since 2011, following uprisings during the Arab Spring. Initially plagued by a shaky regime, President Bashar Al Assad managed to maintain power with substantial military assistance from Russia and Iran. Throughout the years, the conflict saw many shifts in power dynamics, with various rebel factions vying to overthrow Assad. The recent surge in activity by HTS and the Free Syrian Army has rekindled hopes for substantial change, culminating in their recent advances into major urban centers, including the significant capture of the capital.
The dramatic events unfolding in Syria signify a critical juncture in the long-standing civil war. With the fall of President Bashar Al Assad’s regime and the declaration of a ‘free’ country by HTS, the future trajectory of Syria remains uncertain. The immediate cooperation proposed by Prime Minister Jalali and the jubilant public response highlight the potential for a new governance structure, yet the underlying challenges of stability and reconciliation persist as the nation navigates these tumultuous changes.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
