A major turning point has occurred in the years-long civil war in Syria. Opposition forces have captured the capital Damascus, declaring the end of Bashar Assad's regime. While people have taken to the streets, Assad's whereabouts remain unclear.
Assad's Escape Claims
Recent developments suggest that Bashar al-Assad may have fled the country. According to a Reuters report, a plane that took off from Damascus International Airport may have been carrying Assad. However, the flight disappeared from radar west of Homs. Reports that the plane was descending and making unusual maneuvers have increased speculation that Assad has fled to safety.
Is Assad in Russia?
While some sources claim that Assad has sought refuge in Russia, these claims have not yet been confirmed. Russia, a close ally of the Assad regime, has refrained from making an official statement on the matter. Among the public, Assad's escape is seen as the most concrete indicator of the regime's collapse.
The Opposition Gained Control
The opposition, who captured Damascus, announced that state institutions would be protected and that order would be maintained during the transitional period. As the first step of the new order, the Free Syrian flag began to be waved in city squares. With the capture of Damascus, regime control ended completely and the doors to a new era opened in the country.
Prime Minister's Statements
Interim Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi al-Jalali has expressed his readiness to cooperate with a government elected by the people. Al-Jalali emphasized the importance of preserving the functioning of state institutions and called for social peace.
End of an Era
While the fate of Bashar al-Assad remains uncertain, the victory of the anti-regime forces in Syria has created a great wave of hope among the people. The collapse of the Assad regime has resonated not only in the country but also in the international arena. Now, all eyes are on how the transition process in Syria will take shape.
Assad Statue Toppled in Damascus: Symbol of Power Destroyed
The conflict in Syria has reached a new turning point in Damascus, where opposition groups Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and others have seized control of Damascus following intense clashes with the Syrian army since November 7.
The statue of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the center of Damascus was toppled by enthusiastic crowds. Statues of Hafez al-Assad were also torn down in Latakia and Deir ez-Zor. These events turned into a huge celebration, with people taking to the squares and hanging Free Syrian flags.
A statue of Hafez al-Assad was toppled in Hama in a similar manner. These toppled statues stand out as one of the most powerful symbols of change and the transfer of power in Syria. With the fall of the regime, discussions have begun about the beginning of a new political era in the country.
