Syrian Rebels Claim Victory as They Capture Damascus, Ending Assad’s Rule
The Syrian Prime Minister also addressed the nation by video, specifically directing his message to the opposition.
Syrian insurgents, led by the terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), made a significant announcement on Sunday declaring that Damascus is now rid of Assad.
“We declare the city of Damascus free from the tyrant Bashar al-Assad,” a post on Telegram stated.
In addition, the rebel forces claimed that Assad had fled Damascus in their announcement.
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali expressed that the government of Assad’s Arab Socialist Ba’ath Party was prepared to collaborate with the opposition and transfer its responsibilities to a transitional government.
“I am currently in my home and have not left because of my deep connection to this country,” Jalili said in a video message. He assured citizens that he would resume his usual duties in the morning and urged them not to vandalize public property.
Jalali did not touch upon the rumors circulating about the president’s departure.
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Following a surprise offensive on November 27, the insurgents have seized control of the city.
HTS, which has ties to al-Qaeda, is recognized as a terrorist group by the US and UN, although it claims to have severed connections with al-Qaeda in recent times.
Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of HTS, revealed in an exclusive interview with CNN on December 5 that the objective of the offensive was to topple Assad’s regime.
With Assad left isolated, his allies Russia and Iran occupied with other conflicts and Hezbollah in Lebanon weakened by its battle with Israel, the situation has evolved.
President-elect Donald Trump shared his thoughts on the Syria developments on social media for the first time on Saturday.
The opposition forces have not been present in the Syrian capital since 2018.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
