Rebels Seize Capital Damascus
President Assad Flees Damascus for Evacuation
Rebel forces, which have been capturing major cities in Syria one after another, declared on the 8th (local time) that they have taken control of the capital Damascus and begun controlling public institutions.
According to major foreign media on the day, the Syrian rebels led by the Islamic armed group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) announced, "Damascus has been liberated."
As a result, the Bashar al-Assad dictatorship fell to the rebels after 13 years in the Syrian civil war triggered by the 2011 'Arab Spring.' HTS leader Abu Muhammad al-Julani stated in a Telegram message, "Public institutions in downtown Damascus will officially remain under the supervision of the former prime minister until the transfer is completed."
Earlier, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled the capital to an undisclosed location. The plane carrying President Assad left Damascus on the day, but the destination has not yet been revealed.
According to the Associated Press, this is the first time in six years since 2018 that Syrian rebel forces have entered Damascus after government forces eliminated rebel factions in the surrounding areas.
The Syrian government has not immediately responded to the rumors of President Assad's escape. Pro-government radio broadcasts reported that an evacuation order was issued at Damascus airport and all flights have been suspended.
Another foreign media report cited an anonymous Syrian government military officer stating that the Syrian military leadership has informed subordinate officers that Assad's 24-year rule has ended.
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