Bashar al-Assad: What Happened In Syria

In the early hours of Sunday morning, opposition forces declared Syria liberated from President Bashar al-Assad’s rule as they surged into the capital, Damascus.

Reports suggest that al-Assad fled the city, though there is no information on which country he might have sought refuge in.

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The fall of the Assad regime, ending more than 53 years of family rule, has been described as a historic moment.

This comes nearly 14 years after peaceful protests against the government were met with violent repression, eventually spiraling into a devastating civil war.

Just a week ago, the Assad regime still controlled significant parts of Syria. So, how did its collapse happen so quickly?

The Beginning of the End

The downfall began on November 27 when a coalition of opposition fighters launched a major offensive against pro-government forces. The initial strike targeted the front lines between opposition-held Idlib and the neighboring governorate of Aleppo. Within three days, opposition forces captured Syria’s second-largest city, Aleppo.

Who Was Behind the Offensive?

Operation Deterrence of Aggression, as the operation was named, was carried out by several armed Syrian opposition groups. The operation was led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a powerful and well-organized faction headed by Abu Mohammed al-Julani. Other participating groups included the National Front for Liberation, Ahrar al-Sham, Jaish al-Izza, the Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement, and various Turkish-backed factions that are part of the Syrian National Army.

Has All of Syria Fallen?

It seems likely. Although opposition forces did not enter the coastal governorates of Lattakia and Tartous—Assad’s strongholds—the rebels made swift gains, capturing key cities like Hama and Homs. Deraa, the birthplace of the 2011 uprising, also fell from government control on Saturday.

The Syrian army announced plans to “redeploy and reposition” in provinces like Sweida, but reports indicate little effectiveness in halting the opposition’s advance. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), Syrian forces have begun withdrawing from areas such as Quneitra, near the Golan Heights.

Why Did Assad’s Fall Happen So Quickly?

Syria’s economy had been in freefall for years, largely sustained by illicit trade, including the production of the drug Captagon. As conditions worsened, al-Assad’s unpopularity grew, even among his own soldiers, many of whom were unwilling to fight. Reports indicated that military personnel were abandoning their posts, deserting with their weapons ahead of the opposition’s advance.

Militarily, the Assad regime had been weak for some time, relying heavily on Russian and Iranian support. However, Russia is preoccupied with its invasion of Ukraine, and Iran, along with its ally Hezbollah, has been weakened by Israeli airstrikes, leaving the Syrian regime without sufficient backup.

Where is Bashar al-Assad?

Al-Assad’s whereabouts remain unknown. Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali confirmed that both al-Assad and Defense Minister Ali Abbas were out of contact since Saturday night. According to SOHR head Rami Abdel Rahman, al-Assad reportedly left Syria through Damascus International Airport, which was later taken by opposition forces after the military abandoned it.

Has the Entire Government Fled?

Not yet. Prime Minister al-Jalali remained in place, speaking to the press early on Sunday to assure that the government would continue functioning in the interim.

Are Syrians Celebrating?

In cities like Damascus and Homs, celebrations erupted as news of al-Assad’s departure spread. In Damascus, opposition fighters fired celebratory shots into the air, and people climbed onto tanks in jubilation. Crowds waved revolutionary flags, toppled statues of Hafez al-Assad (Bashar’s father), and gathered in public squares to chant anti-Assad slogans. Many gathered in mosques to pray and celebrate, honking car horns as they joined the festivities.

What Happened at Sednaya Prison?

As opposition fighters advanced, they liberated prisoners from regime jails. HTS announced it had stormed the infamous Sednaya prison on the outskirts of Damascus, declaring the “end of the era of tyranny” in a facility notorious for its brutal treatment of prisoners. SOHR confirmed that thousands of detainees, held by Assad’s security forces, were freed as a result.

What Happens Next?

The future of Syria remains uncertain. Analysts note that while there is potential for the country’s recovery, the situation is precarious, and cooperation among the various factions will be key.

In a video statement, Prime Minister al-Jalali offered to work with the opposition and transition to a new government, stating that Syria could rebuild and establish better relations with its neighbors and the world. HTS leader al-Julani also indicated that public institutions would remain under al-Jalali’s supervision until an official transfer of power to a transitional government.

As Syria stands on the brink of a new chapter, the question remains: What direction will the country take next?