Damascus, Syria — In a dramatic turn of events, opposition fighters have taken control of Syria’s capital, Damascus, following President Bashar al-Assad’s unexpected departure from the country.
Early Sunday morning, rebel forces swiftly advanced into the city, capturing key government buildings and broadcasting a statement on state television. A man in military fatigues, surrounded by armed fighters, declared the fall of Damascus and the end of al-Assad’s rule. He announced, “Rebel units have captured Damascus. This is Statement No. 1.”
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that hundreds of government soldiers were ordered to withdraw from Damascus International Airport. Witnesses saw troops abandoning their military uniforms for civilian clothing as they left their positions.
Amid the chaos, civilians flooded the streets waving the pre-Assad era “revolution flag,” symbolizing hope for a new beginning. Traffic jams snarled the city’s roads as residents either celebrated or hurried to safer areas.
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Al-Jallali called for free elections and expressed his willingness to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the people. “We extend our hands to every Syrian citizen committed to safeguarding the country’s resources,” Al-Jallali said in a televised address. “Syria belongs to all Syrians, and I urge everyone to think rationally about the nation’s best interests.”
Opposition military leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad Al-Julani, instructed rebel forces to maintain order and avoid any acts of retribution. He emphasized that public institutions should remain intact and under Al-Jallali’s supervision until a formal transfer of power is completed.
In a significant move, prisoners from the notorious Sednaya Prison near Damascus were released as security forces withdrew, sparking celebrations among families and human rights activists.
Flight data indicated a Syrian Air jet departing Damascus amid reports of the opposition’s control over the capital. The aircraft’s sudden change in course and disappearance from radar fueled speculation about a possible evacuation of senior government officials.
Earlier in the day, rebel forces secured control of Homs, a strategic city linking Damascus to the coastal regions. The fall of Homs marked a critical blow to the remaining government strongholds. “The fall of Homs marks a historic moment,” Al-Julani stated, urging his fighters to show restraint toward those who surrender. Thousands of prisoners in Homs were also freed, with reports of security forces destroying government documents before fleeing.
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Opposition fighters capture Syrian capital following al-Assad's leave
cgtn.com
