DAMASCUS, Syria — In the early hours of Sunday morning, the Syrian capital, Damascus, erupted in celebrations as opposition forces declared the country free from the grip of President Bashar al-Assad. The announcement marked the collapse of more than 53 years of al-Assad family rule, culminating nearly 14 years of conflict sparked by peaceful protests in 2011 that spiralled into one of the most devastating civil wars of the 21st century.
For weeks, Syria had teetered on the edge of upheaval. On November 27, a coalition of opposition forces launched a bold and coordinated offensive dubbed “Operation Deterrence of Aggression.” This coalition, led by the formidable Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and supported by Turkish-backed factions, quickly swept across key territories, delivering decisive blows to the remnants of the regime’s control. Within days, they seized Aleppo, Homs, Hama, and even Deraa—the birthplace of the 2011 uprising. The collapse of the regime, once held together by Russian and Iranian support, was as swift as it was historic.
By Sunday, President Bashar al-Assad was unaccounted for. Reports suggest that he fled Damascus via the international airport just before opposition forces overtook it. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) confirmed the departure but noted that his location remains unknown. The regime’s Defense Minister Ali Abbas has similarly disappeared, leaving Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali to face the media alone, pledging cooperation with the opposition to facilitate a transitional government.
A Weakening Regime Crumbles
The downfall of the al-Assad regime seemed inevitable to many analysts, yet its speed stunned even the most seasoned observers. Years of corruption, brutality, and mismanagement had eroded the regime’s credibility. Syria’s economic collapse, exacerbated by international sanctions and reliance on illicit Captagon trade, further fuelled public discontent. Soldiers deserted their posts en masse, unwilling to fight for a government they no longer believed in.
Internationally, the regime’s traditional allies faltered in their support. Russia, bogged down in its invasion of Ukraine, lacked the capacity to offer meaningful aid. Iran, along with its proxy Hezbollah, suffered from repeated Israeli airstrikes that depleted their resources. Left vulnerable, the regime’s military was unable to mount a credible defence against the advancing rebels.
Opposition Forces Seize the Moment
The offensive that unseated al-Assad was the result of years of preparation by a coalition of opposition groups. Leading the charge was HTS, under the command of Abu Mohammed al-Julani, who had transformed the group into the most organised and disciplined force within Syria’s opposition. Alongside HTS, factions such as the National Front for Liberation and Turkish-backed Syrian National Army played pivotal roles.
The opposition forces’ momentum was unrelenting. Despite not directly entering the coastal strongholds of Latakia and Tartous, they dismantled the regime’s control over most of Syria. By the weekend, opposition fighters had reached the outskirts of Damascus, culminating in their takeover of the capital and iconic landmarks like the infamous Sednaya prison, where thousands of political prisoners were freed.
Jubilation and Uncertainty
Across Syria, jubilant crowds celebrated the end of al-Assad’s reign. In cities like Homs and Damascus, people waved revolutionary flags, toppled statues of Hafez al-Assad, and gathered in mosques for communal prayers. The air was filled with chants and the sound of celebratory gunfire, signalling a collective sigh of relief after years of hardship.
Yet, the celebrations were tempered by uncertainty. Prime Minister al-Jalali, speaking in a video statement, acknowledged the challenges ahead, calling for unity and pledging to support a smooth transition of power. HTS leader al-Julani also emphasised the need for stability, declaring that public institutions would remain operational under the supervision of the opposition.
Regional Ripples: Israel and Russia Respond
The fall of al-Assad’s regime sent shockwaves across the region, particularly in Israel, which shares a tense border with Syria. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel’s withdrawal from the 1974 disengagement agreement, stating that Israel would not allow “any hostile force” to establish a foothold near its borders. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have since launched airstrikes on Syrian military installations and deployed troops along the Golan Heights.
Meanwhile, Russia’s involvement in Syria, once a cornerstone of its Middle Eastern strategy, has unraveled. Reports from Ukrainian intelligence suggest that Moscow orchestrated Assad’s escape, using disinformation to obscure its evacuation operations. Russian forces have largely withdrawn from Syria, abandoning their Tartus naval base and leaving behind a fractured legacy.
What Lies Ahead?
Syria now stands at a crossroads. The end of the Assad era offers a chance for renewal, but the road to stability is fraught with potential pitfalls. The opposition’s ability to govern a country devastated by war and divided along ideological lines will be tested. The role of external actors, including Turkey, Israel, and the remnants of Russian influence, will further complicate the transition.
HTS leader al-Julani has called for cooperation and reconciliation, but whether the various opposition factions can unify remains uncertain. The next steps will determine whether Syria emerges as a country capable of rebuilding or succumbs to further fragmentation.
For Syrians who have endured more than a decade of war, hope is tempered by caution. As the dawn of a new era breaks over the war-torn nation, the question remains: will this be the beginning of a lasting peace, or the prelude to yet another chapter of turmoil?
Vudi Xhymshiti, founder of The Frontliner Magazine, brings a wealth of experience in reporting on global armed conflicts and political issues. With a background in Documentary Photography and Photojournalism from the University of the Arts London, and studies in Political Science, International Relations, and Diplomacy, Vudi skilfully merges human rights insights with dedicated journalism. His ethical and thoughtful reporting has graced top publications like The Guardian and The New York Times. At The Frontliner, launched in 2023, he explores the profound effects of conflicts on law, human rights, and freedoms, continuing his commitment to impactful storytelling.
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