Syria has been declared “free” by rebel forces following the reported departure of President Bashar al-Assad from Damascus. After more than a decade of conflict and a half-century of authoritarian rule by the Assad regime, the rebels are hailing this as the end of a dark era and the beginning of a new chapter for the nation.
A Historic Turning Point
The announcement, led by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), signifies a critical juncture in Syria’s history. The group, which has played a leading role in the uprising, has vowed to rebuild the nation into a “new Syria” where peace and justice prevail. The rebels have also called on displaced citizens and those imprisoned under Assad’s regime to return home, marking a shift in the narrative of a country long scarred by war.
Speaking to the media, Natasha Hall, a Middle East expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, suggested that the departure of President Assad could mark the definitive end of his regime. She highlighted HTS’s disciplined and powerful leadership in spearheading this rebellion, noting their relative independence from foreign influence compared to other factions under Turkey’s sway.
Challenges in Coordination
Despite the optimism, Hall warned of potential challenges in the coordination among rebel factions, particularly between HTS and Kurdish groups in northeastern Syria. Historical animosities between Turkey and the Kurds add a layer of complexity to the evolving dynamics. The road to rebuilding Syria will require a delicate balance of power-sharing and conflict resolution among diverse stakeholders.
Developments on the Ground
Reports suggest that Assad left Damascus aboard a plane headed to an undisclosed location, as rebel forces began entering the capital. The departure was first reported by Reuters, quoting Syrian officials. In tandem, the rebels liberated Saydnaya prison, infamous for housing thousands of opposition supporters who were reportedly tortured and executed. This move has been celebrated as a significant symbolic victory, dismantling one of the Assad regime’s most notorious strongholds.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah, a key ally of Assad supported by Iran, has withdrawn its soldiers from several areas, signaling a potential recalibration of its role in the Syrian conflict. The withdrawal reflects shifting dynamics in the region, as rebel groups continue to consolidate control over key territories.
HTS Takes Command
Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, the leader of HTS, has issued directives to ensure a smooth transition in Damascus. In a statement shared on Telegram, he declared that military forces are prohibited from approaching public institutions in the city, which will remain under the supervision of the former prime minister until an official handover is arranged. The move indicates an attempt to preserve some semblance of governmental continuity during this turbulent period.
A Cautious Path Forward
While the developments offer hope for a new era, the road ahead remains uncertain. The deep-seated divisions among rebel factions and the geopolitical interests of external players such as Turkey and Iran pose significant challenges to building a cohesive governance structure. The potential for discord, particularly in Kurdish-controlled regions, underscores the fragility of this moment.
For many Syrians, however, the possibility of returning to their homeland without fear of persecution provides a glimmer of optimism after years of suffering. As the dust settles and the country begins to rebuild, the world will watch closely to see how this “new Syria” takes shape.
The fall of Assad’s regime may mark the end of one chapter, but it also signals the beginning of a complex journey toward reconciliation, reconstruction, and justice for a nation battered by war.
