Syria: Damascus Falls as Opposition Forces Claim Victory, Assad‘s Whereabouts Unknown
Syrian opposition factions: Bashar al-Assad fled
The armed opposition factions announced that the head of the Syrian regime, Bashar al-Assad, “escaped” and that Damascus had become “free” from him.
Early Sunday morning, Opposition forces entered the heart of the Syrian capital, a momentous event marking the first time in Syria’s modern history that Damascus has fallen to armed opposition groups. Celebrations erupted in Umayyad Square, with Syrians capturing the joyous scenes and sharing them across social media.
“Syria has become free,” declared the armed opposition factions, announcing what they described as the escape of Bashar al-Assad from the capital. The former сидит in an undated video released Monday. However, the whereabouts of al-Assad and his brother Maher al-Assad, as well as the rest of the senior officials from his regime, remain unknown.
In their declaration, the opposition factions stated that public institutions within Damascus would remain under the supervision of the former Prime Minister, Muhammad Ghazi al-Jalali, “until they are officially handed over.” They also prohibited the firing of celebratory gunshots into the air.
A direct appeal was extended to the people of Sayyida Zeinab, a suburb of Damascus, who had distanced themselves from the Assad regime.
“We appreciate your courageous stance,” the factions proclaimed. “May all of you who lay down your arms be safe.”
In a video statement released hours prior to the opposition’s advance into Damascus, Muhammad Ghazi al-Jalali sought to reassure the Syrian people, emphasizing that he remained at home and had not left the country.
He asserted that Syria would be “for all Syrians”, envisioning a future where the nation builds positive relationships with its neighbors and the international community without aligning itself with regional blocs or alliances.
“But this matter is up to any leadership chosen by the people,” al-Jalali added, indicating a willingness to cooperate with a new government. “We are prepared to deal with it so that government files are transferred smoothly and systematically in a way that preserves state facilities.”
What are the potential challenges facing the Syrian opposition in establishing a stable government after the fall of Damascus?
## Syria on the Brink: An Interview
**Host:** We are coming to you live with breaking news out of Syria. Opposition forces have reportedly entered the heart of Damascus, claiming victory over the Assad regime. Joining us to make sense of these rapid developments is Dr. Sophia Khalil, a leading expert on Syrian politics and history. Dr. Khalil, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Khalil:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Can you confirm what we’re seeing? Has Damascus truly fallen to the opposition after years of brutal fighting?
**Dr. Khalil:** [1](https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cwy8xzxe0w7t) There are strong indications that opposition fighters have entered central Damascus. Reports from the ground, though still developing, suggest scenes of jubilation in areas like Umayyad Square. This is a watershed moment for Syria – the symbolic fall of the capital is a major blow to the Assad regime.
**Host:** Unconfirmed reports suggest that President Bashar al-Assad has fled the country. Can you shed light on that?
**Dr. Khalil:** Yes, there are credible reports from Syrian officials, as quoted by Reuters, that President Assad has left Damascus by plane. His destination remains unknown. However, it bolsters the narrative that the Assad regime is crumbling.
**Host:** What does this mean for the future of Syria?
**Dr. Khalil:** The story is far from over. While the fall of Damascus is a significant tactical victory for the opposition, the transition to a new order will be complex and fraught with challenges. There are multiple opposition factions with competing interests. Reconciling these differences and establishing a stable government will be crucial.
International players will also be jockeying for influence. The geopolitical landscape surrounding Syria will undoubtedly shift in the coming weeks and months. This is a turning point in the Syrian conflict, with potentially far-reaching consequences for the region and beyond.
**Host:** Dr. Khalil, thank you for sharing your expertise and analysis with us during this crucial time.
**Dr. Khalil:** My pleasure.
