Official announcements from HTS or international recognition by major countries reported by reputable news agencies

HTS Rebels Overthrow Assad's 24-Year Rule, Free Prisoners in Damascus

Dec 8, 2024, 06:25 AM

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government has fallen, with opposition group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) announcing on state TV that they have taken control of the capital, Damascus. Reports confirm that Assad has fled the city on a plane to an undisclosed location. The rebels have entered the presidential palace, and heavy gunfire was reported as they advanced. The fall of Assad's 24-year regime marks a significant shift in the Syrian conflict, impacting allies like Russia and Iran, and raising concerns about the future stability of the nation. HTS has also released all prisoners, signaling a major change in the country's political landscape.