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The decades-long reign of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has collapsed dramatically, with the embattled leader fleeing Damascus as rebel forces entered the capital, meeting minimal resistance. Celebratory crowds flooded the streets Sunday, chanting for freedom and toppling symbols of the Assad regime, marking a pivotal moment in Syria’s history after 13 years of civil war.

A Swift Rebel Advance

Rebel forces, spearheaded by fighters from groups like Tahrir al-Sham, seized control of key cities, including Homs, in a rapid campaign that began with the unexpected fall of Aleppo. Homs, a strategic crossroads between Damascus and the Assad regime’s coastal strongholds, fell in under 24 hours, leading to jubilant celebrations as residents chanted, “Assad is gone, Homs is free.”

The swift rebel advance left government forces in disarray. Witnesses reported seeing military vehicles abandoned along roads, while rebels took control of state media in Damascus to broadcast their victory.

Assad’s Escape and Uncertain Future

Sources revealed that Assad fled by plane to an undisclosed destination as rebel forces closed in on the capital. His departure marks the end of his 24-year rule, which began in 2000 following the death of his father, Hafez al-Assad, who had governed Syria since 1971.

Abu Mohammed al-Golani, leader of Tahrir al-Sham, declared this a turning point, stating, “The end of the criminal regime is near.”

International Reaction

The fall of Damascus has sent shockwaves across the region. Neighboring Jordan and Lebanon closed their borders, while Iran began evacuating military commanders from Syria. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, but Moscow’s diminished military capacity—strained by heavy losses in Ukraine—has left Assad with scant support.

President-elect Donald Trump weighed in, urging the U.S. to avoid involvement, writing on Truth Social: “Syria is a mess… This is not our fight.” Meanwhile, Biden administration officials predicted Assad’s fall as rebel momentum surged.

The End of an Era

The Assad dynasty’s grip on Syria, marked by decades of autocracy and reliance on Iran, appears to be over. As protesters in Damascus dragged statues of Hafez al-Assad through the streets, it symbolized not just the end of a regime but also the diminishing influence of its regional backers.

The implications of this seismic shift remain uncertain, as Syria’s future hangs in the balance amidst calls from nations like Qatar and Turkey for a political resolution. For now, the Syrian people are celebrating what many see as a long-awaited victory over tyranny.