Assad Flees as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham Rebels Capture Damascus, Ending 14-Year Rule

Dec 8, 2024, 07:02 AM

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has fled Damascus as rebel forces captured the capital city after a rapid offensive, according to reports from various sources including Reuters. Assad reportedly boarded an IL-76 aircraft at Damascus International Airport, which later disappeared from radar, heading to an unknown destination. Two senior Syrian military officers confirmed to Al Jazeera that Assad left the country, potentially heading to a Russian base in Syria before going to Moscow. The rebels, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, announced the liberation of Damascus, the overthrow of Assad, and the release of prisoners from regime prisons. Residents reported heavy gunfire as opposition fighters made a shock advance from Idlib province, causing city after city to fall like dominoes. Syrian state television ceased broadcasting after rebels seized the broadcasting headquarters. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Assad has departed Syria after issuing orders for a peaceful transfer of power. Assad's departure marks the culmination of a nearly 14-year struggle to hold onto power amid a brutal civil war.