Syrian Civil War Developments: Rebels Grab Damascus, Assad escapes after 24 Years of His Rule Over

In a shocking coup, Syrian rebels, including the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have captured the Syrian capital, Damascus. This marks the end of Bashar al-Assad's 24 years in power, with thousands of Syrians celebrating in the streets. As the rebel forces entered the capital, the Syrian army command told its officers that Assad's time in power had concluded. Rebels, chanting "freedom," declared that Damascus is now "free of Assad."

Dramatic developments are unfolding about the Syrian Civil War, a conflict that has ravaged the country for over ten years. Earlier in the day, HTS claims control of Homs, Syria's third-largest city, setting its stage to march toward Damascus. In this scenario of the entry of rebel forces into the city, some reports have indicated that Bashar al-Assad, the incumbent president of Syria, already fled the country to another unknown location.

The Syrian army, once backed by Iran and Russia, is now fighting to keep the remaining territories. The rebels' success in taking Damascus is part of their larger campaign to overthrow Assad's regime, with the current government now controlling just three of Syria's 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Latakia, and Tartus.

This attack is a result of a sudden push from the northwest from Syrian rebel groups, which have been winning ground against Assad's forces. Reports indicate that Iran, a key supporter of the Syrian government, has begun evacuating its military personnel, leaving Assad with dwindling support.

Syria's Prime Minister, Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali has announced his willingness to let the government continue but said he would not be able to continue, and with Assad leaving Syria, the future of the country is still uncertain. The HTS group spearheading the uprising has pledged a new era of peace and justice for the people of Syria.

With Assad's regime over officially, the country goes into a new chapter of history. The fall of Assad is a significant milestone of the Syrian Civil War, and whether Syria can rebuild itself will have to be seen through its aftermath of years in combat.

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