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Assad's Regime Collapses in 11 Days as HTS Rebels Liberate Damascus After 13-Year War

Dec 12, 2024, 01:30 PM

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime has collapsed following a rapid offensive by rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), who declared the liberation of Damascus. In just 11 days, the government was overthrown after 13 years of civil war, marking the end of over half a century of authoritarian rule in what has been described as one of history's worst torture states. Syrians are erasing remnants of Assad's regime by throwing his photos into the trash and trampling his posters underfoot. Displaced citizens, including those living in London, are expressing relief and optimism, with many flocking to the Turkey-Syria border crossing in Hatay to return home. The fall of Assad's regime is reshaping the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East, prompting regional powers like Iran to reassess their positions. In Europe, countries are debating the future of Syrian refugees; Germany urges caution, while Austria advocates for deportations and suspending asylum applications. The downfall of Assad's government signals a significant shift in regional dynamics and offers Syrians a chance to envision a new future after years of civil war and oppression.