Syrians flooded the streets in celebration on Sunday as a remarkable rebel advance reached the capital, bringing an end to the Assad family’s 50 years of rule. Joyous crowds gathered in central Damascus, waving the Syrian revolutionary flag, while others ransacked the presidential palace and residence.
President Bashar Assad and top officials vanished, their whereabouts unknown. Russia, a key ally, stated that Assad left Syria after negotiations with rebels and had instructed a peaceful transfer of power.
Abu Mohammed al-Golani, former al-Qaeda commander and leader of the largest rebel faction, now poised to shape Syria’s future, made his first public appearance at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus. He declared Assad’s fall “a victory for the Islamic nation.”
The rapidly evolving situation has caused regional shifts. Lebanon closed all but one border crossing with Syria, and Jordan shut another. Israel issued warnings to villages in southern Syria and seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights.
The International Committee of the Red Cross called for safe humanitarian access and civilian protection, while Iraq expressed support for a pluralistic future for Syria. Other regional leaders, including Yemen’s, welcomed Assad’s downfall, while Egyptians had mixed views on Syria’s future.
Syria’s fate remains uncertain as opposition forces take control of more areas, and the world watches closely.
