Syrian Rebels Claim Control of Damascus as Assad Flees

Syrian rebels announced early Sunday that they had seized control of the capital, Damascus, after a week of rapid military advances against President Bashar al-Assad’s forces. Assad reportedly fled the country in the early hours of Sunday, though his destination remains unknown. His wife and children had already left for Russia last week, according to reports. Assad had planned to address the nation at 8 p.m. local time, but the speech never took place.

Rebel forces have also reportedly taken the eastern city of Deir Ezzour and seized the strategic city of Homs earlier in the day, marking a swift and dramatic collapse of the Syrian military. Many regime forces, demoralized and unpaid after more than a decade of internal conflict, offered little resistance. U.S. special envoy Amos Hochstein described the situation as a “spectacular collapse” of Assad’s armed forces.

The rebels freed hundreds of detainees from a notorious prison nicknamed the “human slaughterhouse” during their advance toward Damascus. Key allies of Assad, including Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah, have yet to mount a defense, further aiding the rebels’ progress.

Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali stated his willingness to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the people, signaling a possible transition of power.

Meanwhile, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump reiterated his stance against American involvement in the conflict. In a post on X, Trump declared, “THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED.” He also noted that Russia, distracted by its heavy losses in Ukraine, has been unable to support Assad effectively as rebels continue their march across Syria.