By Toba Owojaiye
Abuja, Nigeria
In a dramatic turn of events, Syrian rebels have seized control of Damascus, marking the end of President Bashar al-Assad’s 13-year rule. The fall of Assad, whose regime has presided over years of civil war, represents a seismic moment in Middle Eastern history and a critical blow to his allies, Russia and Iran.
Led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a coalition of Islamist forces, the rebels captured key cities, including Aleppo and Homs, before advancing on Damascus. HTS commander Abu Mohammed al-Julani declared the end of Assad’s rule and pledged to oversee a transitional government, with state institutions remaining under the interim authority of Prime Minister Mohammad al-Jalali.
Reports gathered by Truth Live News indicate that Assad fled Syria on Sunday aboard a presidential plane. Two senior army officers confirmed to Reuters that the flight’s destination remains unknown.
In a statement, the rebel coalition celebrated the liberation of Sednaya prison, a notorious detention facility near Damascus, and vowed to rebuild Syria into a nation that honors the sacrifices of its people. Crowds gathered in Damascus, waving flags and chanting “Freedom” to mark the end of decades of Assad family rule.
The rapid fall of Assad underscores shifting dynamics in the region. Iran, a longtime supporter of the Assad regime, is grappling with internal unrest and a weakened grip on its foreign policy. Its embassy in Damascus was stormed by rebels following the city’s capture, signaling a loss of influence.
Meanwhile, Russia’s focus on its war in Ukraine has limited its ability to intervene decisively in Syria. The loss of Assad, a key ally, is a significant setback for Moscow’s regional ambitions.
Turkey, which has long opposed Assad, is believed to have played a pivotal role in supporting the rebel offensive. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has consistently advocated for Assad’s removal and may see this moment as a victory for his regional strategy.
The international community has reacted swiftly. Incoming U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Assad’s removal as a “positive development” but cautioned against direct American involvement. European leaders expressed cautious optimism while emphasizing the need for a stable transition.
French President Emmanuel Macron called for “a democratic process that respects the rights of all Syrians,” while the United Nations urged restraint and dialogue to prevent further violence.
While HTS celebrates its victory, concerns persist about its Islamist roots and the potential for authoritarian governance. The group, previously linked to al-Qaeda, rebranded itself in 2016 under al-Julani, who severed ties with the global jihadist network.
Joshua Landis, a Middle East expert, warned that HTS faces significant challenges in gaining international legitimacy. “The real test will be how they manage the transition. Will they rebuild Syria as a nation for all, or will they repeat the mistakes of the past?” he noted.
Humanitarian concerns also loom large. Years of war have left Syrian cities in ruins, with millions displaced and reliant on international aid. Western nations, which imposed sanctions on Assad’s government, must now decide whether to lift restrictions to support rebuilding efforts.
The fall of Assad marks a turning point not only for Syria but for the broader Middle East. The collapse of his regime disrupts the balance of power, weakening Iran’s and Russia’s foothold while strengthening Turkey’s influence.
However, the road ahead is fraught with uncertainty. Stabilizing Syria will require not only military control but also political reconciliation and economic recovery. With HTS at the helm, the question remains whether the new leadership can rise to the occasion or if the nation will descend into further turmoil.
As the dust settles in Damascus, the world watches with a mix of hope and apprehension. The ousting of Bashar al-Assad signifies the end of an era, but the beginning of a new chapter remains unwritten.
For the Syrian people, this is a moment of liberation, but also one of profound uncertainty. The next steps will determine whether their sacrifices will lead to lasting peace or another cycle of conflict.
“Freedom has come at a great cost,” said one jubilant Syrian in Damascus. “Now we must build a future worthy of that cost.”
The ousting of Assad is a pivotal moment for Syria, but one fraught with risks. While the fall of authoritarian regimes often signals hope, the presence of HTS—a group with a controversial history—raises questions about the future of governance. International stakeholders must act judiciously, balancing the need for support with concerns about extremism. The Syrian people’s resilience offers a glimmer of hope, but the path