In a dramatic turn of events, Syrians have stormed Bashar al-Assad’s presidential palace in Damascus, with rebel forces declaring the nation “free” from the authoritarian leader.
This marks a historic moment in Syria’s history, as the opposition celebrates the downfall of a regime that spanned decades.
For the first time since 2018, opposition fighters have advanced into the suburbs of Damascus, reaching the heart of the capital. State television broadcast images of rebels moving freely inside the presidential palace, a powerful symbol of the regime’s collapse. Reports suggest Assad fled the country early this morning aboard a plane to an undisclosed location.
Search for Assad underway
Rebel soldiers are interrogating military and intelligence officials to trace Assad’s movements. The president has not been seen or heard from since the capital fell, according to sources such as CNN.
The rebel coalition, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), declared on Telegram that this moment signals the end of a “dark era” and the beginning of a “new Syria.” The group expressed hope for a nation where peace and justice will prevail, welcoming home those displaced or imprisoned during Assad’s rule.
Symbolic end to the Assad dynasty
In Jermana, a suburb near Damascus, rebels toppled a statue of Hafez al-Assad, the late father of the deposed president, marking the symbolic end of the Assad dynasty. Across Syria, similar acts of defiance have been reported, with citizens tearing down regime icons and celebrating in the streets.
Crowds gathered at Umayyad Square in Damascus, chanting anti-Assad slogans and proclaiming, “God is great.” Videos show families entering the presidential palace, some carrying away household items left behind. In other parts of the city, young boys picked up abandoned weapons and fired celebratory shots into the air.
“I couldn’t sleep until I heard the news of his fall,” said Mohammed Amer Al-Oulabi, a local resident. “From Idlib to Damascus, it only took a few days. May God bless the heroic lions who made this happen.”
Strategic victories and the fall of Homs
The rebel victory in Damascus follows the capture of Homs, a key strategic city. Syrian rebel commander Hassan Abdul Ghany confirmed the “full liberation” of Homs, which cuts off Damascus from Assad’s coastal strongholds and Russia’s military bases. This victory underscores the rapid unraveling of Assad’s regime, leaving his 24-year rule in jeopardy.
Abu Mohammed al-Golani, a leading opposition figure, stated that the rebels are close to securing the entire country. “The end of the criminal regime is near,” he declared.
A new chapter for Syria
With Assad’s forces retreating from major territories and the capital now in rebel hands, Syrians are cautiously optimistic about what lies ahead. HTS and other opposition groups are calling for unity, promising a future built on peace and justice.
As the search for Assad continues, the streets of Damascus remain tense but hopeful, marking the beginning of a new era in Syria’s tumultuous history.