In a dramatic shift in Syria's ongoing conflict, opposition fighters have seized control of the nation's capital, Damascus. This rapid offensive has led to the swift fall of major Syrian cities, marking a pivotal moment in the country's turbulent history.
The takeover was publicly announced on state television by a man in military fatigues, flanked by armed fighters. In what was dubbed \"Statement No. 1,\" the spokesperson declared the capture of Damascus and signaled the end of President Bashar al-Assad's rule.
According to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, rebel fighters entered Damascus at dawn, leading to the withdrawal of hundreds of government soldiers from Damascus International Airport. These soldiers were seen removing their military uniforms and donning civilian clothing, highlighting the rapid shift in power dynamics.
Multiple media outlets have reported that President al-Assad has left the country, although these reports are based on information from rebel forces. Xinhua reporters in Damascus described intense gunfire echoing through the streets and heavy traffic as cars fled the capital.
The streets of Damascus saw civilians celebrating the takeover, waving the \"revolution flag,\" an older Syrian flag used before the rule of Hafez al-Assad, President Bashar al-Assad's father.
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Al-Jallali has called for free elections and expressed his readiness to work with any leadership chosen by the Syrian people. Opposition military leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad Al-Julani, stated that Al-Jallali will oversee public institutions until an official transfer of authority is completed.
In a televised address, Al-Julani emphasized unity and rational decision-making for the nation's best interests, stating, \"Syria belongs to all Syrians, and I urge everyone to think rationally about the nation's best interests.\" He also instructed opposition forces in Damascus to avoid approaching public institutions and banned celebratory gunfire to maintain order.
The opposition has also celebrated the release of prisoners from Sednaya Prison near Damascus, which was emptied as security forces withdrew. Flight data from FlightRadar24 showed a Syrian Air jet departing Damascus amid speculation of an evacuation of senior government figures.
Earlier on Sunday, opposition fighters gained full control of Homs, a strategic city that serves as a key crossroads. This victory has severed connections between Damascus and the coastal strongholds of al-Assad's Alawite community, further consolidating the opposition's control over the region.
Al-Julani remarked, \"The fall of Homs marks a historic moment,\" urging his fighters to show restraint toward those who surrender and highlighting the liberation of thousands of prisoners as security forces fled the city.
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Opposition fighters capture Syrian capital following al-Assad's leave
cgtn.com
