The Assad family ruled Syria with an iron grip for over 50 years, but that era has come to an end. Bashar al-Assad succeeded his father, Hafez, as president in 2000. In 2011, he violently suppressed a peaceful pro-democracy uprising, triggering a devastating civil war that has killed over half a million people and displaced 12 million.
Twelve days ago, the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied rebel factions launched a major offensive in north-western Syria, quickly capturing Aleppo and advancing toward Damascus as the military collapsed. Russia later announced that Assad had stepped down, with crowds celebrating in the streets. HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani arrived in Damascus and declared, “The future is ours.”
The takeover unfolded swiftly. Despite Assad’s regained control of most cities with the help of Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, the rebels maintained control in the north-west. HTS launched their surprise offensive on November 27, capturing Aleppo after three days. Assad vowed to crush the rebels, but as their forces advanced, key cities like Hama and Homs fell.
By Sunday, HTS-led rebels entered Damascus and declared that Assad had fled. Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali expressed willingness to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the people. Al-Jawlani’s forces vowed to establish a “homeland for all.”
HTS, initially known as al-Nusra Front, was set up in 2012 and later broke ties with al-Qaeda in 2016, rebranding as HTS. While the UN, US, and others still view them as al-Qaeda affiliates, HTS has consolidated power in north-western Syria, replacing military garb with political calls for pluralism and religious tolerance.
The rebels’ success is attributed to the weakening of Assad’s forces after years of conflict and sanctions. Russia and Iran were distracted by other commitments, leaving Assad’s military vulnerable.
The international community has reacted with concern. Russia urged political resolution, while Turkey and Israel warned of the importance of stability. The EU hailed Assad’s fall as a “positive development”, focusing on regional security.
