Syrian rebels announced on Sunday that they had ousted President Bashar al-Assad, ending his family’s 50-year rule in a swift offensive. This sudden shift has triggered widespread concern about the potential for further instability in the Middle East, already ravaged by conflict.
Sources reported that Syria’s military command notified officers that Assad’s regime had fallen. The president reportedly fled Damascus earlier in the day, but his whereabouts remain unknown. The rebels are expected to address the nation soon, while thousands of Syrians took to the streets in celebration, particularly in Homs, where residents cheered the regime’s retreat.
This marks a dramatic turning point in Syria’s 13-year civil war, which has left the country devastated and displaced millions. The fall of Assad’s regime is also seen as a blow to his key allies, Russia and Iran. Amid celebrations, there are concerns about how the country will manage its transition, particularly with the influence of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a powerful and controversial rebel group that played a leading role in the offensive.
As the situation unfolds, the international community, including the US and regional powers, watches closely, raising questions about Syria’s future stability and political direction.
