In a dramatic turn of events unfolding in Syria, Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali has declared his readiness to cooperate with any new leadership chosen by the Syrian people. This announcement follows reports that President Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year rule has come to an end, with rebel forces claiming control of the capital, Damascus. The situation is rapidly evolving, marking a potential turning point in the long-running Syrian Civil War.
The escalating conflict witnessed a significant surge in intensity over the weekend. Rebel groups achieved a major victory on Saturday, seizing control of Homs and subsequently claiming to have entered Damascus. This rapid advance led to widespread celebrations in Damascus, with thousands gathering in the main square waving and chanting for freedom from the Assad family’s decades-long authoritarian rule. The rebels specifically highlighted the liberation of Sednaya prison, a notorious military facility known for holding thousands of political prisoners, as a symbol of the regime’s downfall.
Al-Jalali’s statement, broadcast via Facebook, expressed a willingness to facilitate a smooth transition of power. He emphasized the potential for Syria to “build good relations with its neighbours and the world,” contingent on a leadership chosen by the Syrian people. This suggests a potential path towards stability, albeit one fraught with uncertainty and potential challenges in the coming days and weeks.
Adding to the unfolding drama, reports suggest that President Assad fled Damascus on Saturday, his destination currently unknown. Two Syrian officers, speaking to Reuters, confirmed that the army command officially announced the end of Assad’s rule on Sunday. Further credence is lent to these reports by flight data from Flightradar24, which tracked a Syrian Air plane departing from Damascus airport around the time of the reported takeover. While the plane’s initial trajectory suggested a move towards Assad’s Alawite stronghold on the coast, it abruptly changed course before disappearing from tracking, leaving the identity of its passengers shrouded in mystery.
The rebel groups have also echoed reports of Assad’s departure, claiming Damascus is now “free of Assad” and that their entry into the capital met with no significant army resistance. The speed and apparent ease with which rebel forces captured Damascus has sent shockwaves through the international community and raises questions about the future of the nation, the potential for protracted conflict, and the prospects for peace and stability in the region.
The situation remains fluid and volatile. The international community is closely monitoring the developments in Syria and the potential impact on regional stability. The coming days and weeks will be critical in determining the course of Syria’s future and the fate of its people. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.
