Syrian rebels have taken control of the capital city of Damascus, marking a historic turning point in the 13-year-long civil war. Reports indicate that President Bashar al-Assad has fled the country to an undisclosed location, as the rebel forces seized key government buildings, including the presidential palace.

Rebel Forces Take Control of Damascus

Videos circulating on social media show rebel fighters entering the presidential palace, located in the Mezzeh district, without resistance. Footage from news agencies captured scenes of Syrian families walking through the palace, with some carrying household items. Rebel fighters were also seen taking selfies inside the building, a symbolic moment for a city that has been under Assad's rule since 2000.

The rebels have declared the fall of the Assad regime in a video broadcast on state television. They announced the "liberation of Damascus" and the "release of all unjustly detained prisoners" from regime prisons. Rebel leaders urged citizens to protect state institutions as part of the "free Syrian state."

Prime Minister Calls for Free Elections

Syria's Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali stated his readiness to support a peaceful transition of power. Speaking to Al Arabiya, Jalali called for free elections to allow Syrians to choose their new leadership. He has reportedly been in contact with rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani to discuss the formation of a transitional governing body.

Storming of the Iranian Embassy

Rebel forces stormed the Iranian Embassy in Damascus, breaking windows and scattering documents. Iran, alongside Hezbollah and Russia, has been one of Assad's key backers throughout the civil war. Footage showed signs of looting as rebels overran the embassy. Analysts believe the rapid fall of Damascus caught Iran and Russia by surprise, leaving them with little time to respond.

US, Israel, and International Reactions

The United States, through National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett, stated that President Joe Biden and his team were "closely monitoring the extraordinary events" in Syria and maintaining contact with regional allies. The U.S. Pentagon has confirmed it will maintain its military presence in eastern Syria to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State (IS).

Israel's military announced the deployment of forces in the UN-monitored buffer zone along the Golan Heights, a region that Israel has occupied since 1967. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) emphasized that it had no intention of interfering in Syria's internal conflict but aimed to protect Israeli citizens and border security.

Public Celebrations Across Damascus
Scenes of celebration erupted across Damascus, with crowds of Syrians gathering in cars and on foot in the city's main squares. Videos showed citizens chanting "freedom" and waving flags as calls of "God is great" echoed from mosque loudspeakers. Thousands of people poured into the streets, marking the end of Assad's 24-year rule.

Analysts on the Collapse of the Assad Regime

Middle East analyst Rodger Shanahan described the speed of Assad's downfall as "surprising," noting that the Syrian military was "hollowed out" after years of war and failed to put up significant resistance. The rebels, on the other hand, were reportedly well-prepared, launching a rapid and decisive offensive that began with the fall of Aleppo.

According to DW journalist Gasia Ohanes, the coming days may reveal the "horrors" of Assad's regime, as reports suggest that long-imprisoned political detainees are being released. Syrian soldiers, many of whom were conscripted for over a decade, have begun returning to their families, and displaced Syrians are expected to make attempts to return home.

Outlook and Future Steps

With rebel forces now in control, Syria faces a critical transitional period. Key groups, including the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), and the Free Syrian Army (FSA), are expected to hold talks on forming an inclusive, multi-ethnic government. HTS, which was previously labeled a terrorist organization, has reportedly shifted its stance in recent days to present a more moderate image.

The world is now watching to see how the power transition unfolds and whether Syria can establish a stable, inclusive government after more than a decade of war.