Kathmandu, December 8
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has reportedly fled the capital, Damascus, as rebel forces captured key cities and advanced towards the capital.
Rebel commanders have declared Damascus “liberated” from Assad’s rule. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a prominent rebel group, announced via its Telegram channel that Assad has left the country, proclaiming, “A dark chapter has ended, and a new beginning is here.”
Reuters, citing two senior Syrian officials, confirmed that Assad has left Damascus, though his current whereabouts remain unknown. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that a private plane departed from Damascus, speculated to be carrying the president.
Rebel forces have already seized control of Hama, Daraa, and Syria’s third-largest city, Homs. The fall of Homs is seen as a critical victory for the rebels, effectively cutting off Damascus from other regions. Reports from the capital indicate the sound of gunfire as clashes intensify.
The Syrian government forces have struggled to halt the rebel advance, which is progressing from the north, east, and south. While Assad’s office had previously denied rumors of his departure, the latest developments suggest otherwise. Interior Minister claims of a fortified military presence around Damascus now appear overstated, with reports of government forces retreating, surrendering, or abandoning their posts.
Footage has surfaced showing rebels dismantling statues of Assad’s father, Hafez al-Assad, as they continue their advance. The unfolding situation highlights the weakening grip of Assad’s regime amid a growing rebel insurgency.
