Syrian Islamist rebels topple President Bashar al-Assad

DAMASCUS,— Syrian Islamist rebels announced on Sunday that they have successfully overthrown President Bashar al-Assad, ending a 50-year family dynasty in a swift offensive that could trigger a new wave of instability in the Middle East.

The announcement was broadcast on state television and marks a seismic shift in the region’s political landscape.

According to a Syrian military officer informed of the development, the army’s leadership issued notices on Sunday declaring the end of Assad’s regime. However, the military later released a statement claiming it was still conducting operations against “terrorist groups” in key areas, including the cities of Hama and Homs, as well as the Deraa countryside.

Two senior army officials told Reuters that Assad fled Damascus earlier on Sunday to an undisclosed location. Meanwhile, rebel forces reported they had entered the capital without encountering significant resistance or visible military presence.

“We share the joy of the Syrian people in ending the era of injustice and celebrate the liberation of prisoners from Sednaya prison,” the rebels announced, referring to the notorious military prison near Damascus where thousands had been detained by the regime.

Thousands of Syrians gathered at a central square in Damascus, waving flags and chanting “Freedom” to celebrate the end of decades-long Assad family rule, witnesses said.

This dramatic turn of events represents a critical moment for the Middle East. It deals a heavy blow to Russia and Iran, Assad’s key allies, and introduces new uncertainties as the region continues to grapple with the ongoing Gaza war. The swift pace of the collapse has surprised many Arab capitals, raising concerns about further instability.

A Nation Transformed by War

For Syria, this development marks a turning point after more than 13 years of brutal conflict that devastated cities, claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, and displaced millions. Stabilizing the newly captured areas in western Syria will be critical for the rebels.

Western nations, which had long shunned Assad’s regime, now face the challenge of determining how to engage with a new government where Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group designated as a terrorist organization, is poised to play a significant role.

HTS, formerly affiliated with al-Qaeda as the Nusra Front, led the rebel offensive across western Syria. Under the leadership of Abu Mohammed al-Golani, HTS severed ties with al-Qaeda in 2016. Joshua Landis, a Middle East expert and director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma, noted that Golani appears keen on ensuring an orderly transition to avoid the chaos seen in Iraq following the 2003 U.S.-led ousting of Saddam Hussein.

“They need to rebuild and will likely require Europe and the U.S. to lift sanctions,” Landis said, adding that Golani’s approach will be crucial to the country’s recovery.

Concerns About Islamist Rule

HTS’s prominence has sparked fears among some Syrians who worry the group may impose harsh Islamist governance or carry out reprisals. Regional powers like the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, which view Islamist militant groups as existential threats, may resist HTS’s influence. Speaking at a conference in Bahrain, Anwar Gargash, diplomatic advisor to the UAE’s president, emphasized that extremism and terrorism remain primary concerns for his country.

Questions Surround Assad’s Fate

As rebel forces consolidated their hold on Damascus, speculation swirled about Assad’s whereabouts. A Syrian Air plane departed Damascus Airport around the time the capital fell, according to flight-tracking data. The aircraft initially headed toward Syria’s coastal region, an Alawite stronghold, but abruptly turned back and vanished from radar. Two Syrian sources suggested the possibility that Assad might have been killed in a crash, although the exact circumstances remain unclear.

“It’s possible the transponder was turned off, but the more likely scenario is that the plane was brought down,” said one source, declining to provide further details.

Calls for Free Elections

As Syrians celebrated in the streets, Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali called for free elections to allow citizens to choose their future leaders. However, he acknowledged the complexity of transitioning power in a nation rife with competing factions, including groups backed by the United States, Russia, and Turkey.

Jalali confirmed he had been in contact with HTS leader Golani to discuss managing the transitional period, signaling a significant shift in the political dialogue. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) also welcomed the regime’s collapse. SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi described the moment as a historic opportunity to build a democratic and just Syria that respects the rights of all citizens.

Regional and Global Reactions

Jordan stressed the importance of maintaining Syria’s stability and security, according to its state news agency. Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden and his administration closely monitored the unfolding events and maintained communication with regional partners, the White House said.

Israel, which has been battling Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, may view Assad’s fall as a strategic victory over another Iranian ally. However, the possibility of an Islamist-led government in Syria could raise concerns for Israel and other nations.

Symbolic Victory in Homs

In the central city of Homs, residents poured into the streets celebrating the military’s withdrawal. Young people tore down portraits of Assad, chanting “Assad is gone, Homs is free” and “Long live Syria.” The rebels’ capture of Homs, a city once synonymous with intense siege warfare, serves as a potent symbol of their resurgence. Years of brutal fighting had reduced much of the city to rubble, forcing rebel forces to retreat in the past.

The Islamist rebel forces also freed thousands of prisoners as they took control of Homs. Security forces reportedly fled in haste, setting fire to documents before leaving.

As Syria enters this uncharted chapter, the path forward remains fraught with challenges. The region and the world will be watching closely as the country grapples with its newfound freedom and the immense task of rebuilding.

Kurdish-Led Forces Celebrate Assad’s Fall

The commander of Syria’s U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which controls significant portions of the country’s Kurdish northeast region, known as Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava), praised the fall of Assad’s regime as a “historic” moment.

(With files from Reuters | AFP)