Yesterday at 20:01
On the morning of December 8, Syrian rebels declared the “liberation” of Damascus, marking the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, multiple sources report, including CNN, the Syrian Rebels’ Military Operations Command, Reuters, and the Associated Press.
“We declare Damascus free from the tyrant Bashar al-Assad,” announced the rebels’ command. They also claimed Assad fled the capital.
International flights at Damascus Airport have ceased operations. Videos circulating on social media show crowds rushing through checkpoints and fleeing the country.
Rebels confirmed seizing the notorious Sednaya military prison north of Damascus. In 2017, Amnesty International reported approximately 13,000 hangings there.
“We celebrate with the Syrian people the liberation of our prisoners and the end of injustice in Sednaya prison,” stated the rebels.
Residents of Damascus took to the streets in celebration of the rebels’ arrival.
Reports from Reuters indicate that a Syrian Air flight, possibly carrying Assad, departed Damascus Airport as rebels captured the city. The plane initially headed toward Syria’s coastal Alawite stronghold but abruptly changed course and vanished from radar minutes later.
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali declared the government’s willingness to “extend a hand” to the opposition and transition power to an interim government.
Background
The Syrian conflict has involved government forces backed by Russia and Iran, Kurdish factions supported by the U.S., and various rebel groups with Turkish support.
Frontlines had remained stagnant since 2020, following government advances supported by Russian airstrikes and Iranian militias.
The rebel offensive began on November 27, culminating in key victories:
- November 30: Rebels entered Aleppo, prompting Russia to pledge more military aid to Assad.
- December 3: Rebels neared Hama.
- December 6-7: Rebels captured Homs and Hama, key cities north of Damascus.
Reports suggest Assad fled Damascus, though Iranian and Syrian officials deny this, insisting he remains in Syria.
Read also: Iran evacuates its military and civilians from Syria
