Bashar Assad Flees to Moscow After Rebels End 50 Years of Iron Rule in Syria

In a historic upheaval, ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad fled to Moscow on Sunday following a decisive rebel advance that captured Damascus, effectively ending five decades of Assad family rule. Russian news agencies Tass and RIA reported that Assad and his family have been granted asylum by Moscow, a steadfast ally of his regime. The Kremlin has not yet issued an official statement.

A Stunning Rebel Advance Ends Decades of Dictatorship
The fall of Damascus marks the culmination of a rapid rebel offensive that began on November 27, resulting in the capture of key cities including Aleppo, Hama, and Homs. The Syrian army’s abrupt collapse paved the way for the opposition’s takeover of the capital.

Rebel forces have pledged to maintain order, broadcasting a statement on state television declaring the formation of a transitional government and urging civilians to safeguard public institutions. A curfew was imposed in Damascus from 4 p.m. to 5 a.m. as part of the effort to stabilize the city.

Celebrations Erupt in Damascus
Damascus residents celebrated the regime’s downfall with jubilant chants, honking car horns, and waving the three-starred revolutionary flag. Thousands gathered in Umayyad Square near the Defense Ministry, while others stormed abandoned government buildings.

Teenagers picked up discarded weapons from fleeing security forces, firing them into the air in celebration. Some families entered the presidential palace, taking household items as souvenirs. Opposition fighters were greeted as liberators, with residents chanting slogans against Assad.

Political Prisoners Freed Amidst Chaos
Rebels broke into Saydnaya Prison, infamous for human rights abuses, liberating scores of detainees. Online videos showed prisoners, including women and children, emerging in shock after years of confinement.

Rebel commander Anas Salkhadi sought to reassure religious and ethnic minorities, stating, “Syria is for everyone—Druze, Sunnis, Alawites, and all sects.” He emphasized that the new leadership would avoid the oppressive tactics of the Assad regime.

Global Reactions and Strategic Shifts
The fall of Assad’s regime is a significant blow to Iran, Hezbollah, and other allies that provided crucial support during the civil war. Iranian officials have called for a Syrian-led solution but condemned foreign interference. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a buffer zone in the Golan Heights, citing security concerns.

The United Nations has called for urgent talks to ensure a smooth political transition, while Qatar hosted an emergency summit with officials from eight countries, including Iran, Russia, and Turkey, to address the crisis.

A Daunting Path Ahead for Syria
Despite the celebrations, Syria faces a challenging road to recovery. The country remains deeply fragmented, with ongoing clashes between Turkey-backed opposition groups, U.S.-allied Kurdish forces, and remnants of the Islamic State.

The rebel coalition, led by Abu Mohammed al-Golani and the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, has promised an inclusive future. However, HTS’s origins as an al-Qaida affiliate raise concerns over its global legitimacy.

“Golani has made history and sparked hope among millions of Syrians,” said Dareen Khalifa, an analyst with the International Crisis Group. “But unifying a war-torn nation will be an uphill battle.”

As Syria embarks on a new chapter, the international community watches closely, assessing the implications for regional stability and global security.

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