The Assad Regime in Syria appears to be over. The rebel alliance, which made great progress in the framework of an offensive over the past week, announced on Sunday the capture of the capital city Damascus and the toppling of ruler Bashar al-Assad.
Assad is reportedly to have left the capital city – with what goal, remained unclear for the time being. On social media, the rebels spoke of a “moment of return and freedom after decades of oppression and suffering”. According to reports, there were scenes of jubilation in the center of Damascus.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mohamed al-Jalali announced his readiness for a power transition. He is prepared to hand over the government’s affairs to “any leadership that the Syrian people determines”, he said in a video message. Public institutions in Damascus, according to the rebels, are to remain under the supervision of the former prime minister until the official handover.
However, in other parts of Syria, it seems that fighting is still ongoing. In a military statement, it was said that in the rural areas of Hama, Homs, and Deraa, operations will continue against “terrorist groups”.