Official diplomatic announcements or international news reports

Assad Flees Syria After 24 Years, Rebel Islamic Insurgents Capture Damascus in Lightning Offensive

Dec 8, 2024, 06:45 AM

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has reportedly fled the country by aircraft to an undisclosed location as Syrian rebel forces, described as 'rebel Islamic insurgents,' captured the capital, Damascus, without facing resistance from the military. The opposition forces have taken control of state television channels and announced the fall of Assad's government after a lightning offensive that saw them seize several cities. The Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali has expressed readiness to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the people, signaling an orderly transfer of power. Reports indicate that Assad, who has ruled Syria for 24 years, has left the country. The regime's fall marks the end of a clear single authority over most of Syria, with the opposition claiming to have freed Damascus and ousted Assad's regime. During his rule, Assad is reported to have killed 3,50,000 opponents.