How al-Assad Fell: The Shocking Collapse of Syria’s Regime

 

Syria’s Stunning Collapse: How Bashar al-Assad’s Regime Fell in a Week

In an unprecedented and rapid turn of events, opposition forces have declared victory in Syria, marking the end of President Bashar al-Assad’s more than five-decade-long rule. After a decisive offensive, rebel fighters surged into the capital, Damascus, forcing Assad to flee. With his whereabouts unknown and no confirmation of which country will offer him refuge, the regime’s sudden collapse has left Syria on the brink of a new chapter—one that remains uncertain and fraught with challenges.

The Fall of al-Assad: A Historic Shift

The downfall of the al-Assad family’s autocratic rule over Syria is being hailed as a historic moment. Just a week ago, the regime still controlled significant territories nationwide. But after years of brutal conflict, shifting allegiances, and growing discontent, the opposition mounted a final, successful offensive that brought the capital to its knees. The speed and efficiency with which the regime fell has left many stunned, mainly because Assad had remained in power for over 13 years since the onset of Syria’s civil war in 2011.

The war began as peaceful protests against Assad’s government but quickly spiraled into a devastating civil war when the regime responded with violent repression. Despite years of international condemnation and internal resistance, Assad managed to hold on, relying heavily on military support from Russia and Iran. However, a confluence of military, economic, and political factors has now brought about the rapid and unexpected collapse of the regime.

The Offensive: A Unified Opposition Push

The tipping point came on November 27, when a coalition of Syrian opposition groups launched a major offensive against Assad’s forces. This was dubbed Operation Deterrence of Aggression, and it quickly gained momentum. The operation, which initially targeted the frontlines between Idlib and Aleppo, expanded in scope within days, leading to the fall of Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city.

The coalition behind this operation was diverse, composed of several armed groups, with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) at the helm. HTS, a formidable opposition faction led by Abu Mohammed al-Julani, had long controlled the Idlib governorate. Other groups, including the National Front for Liberation, Ahrar al-Sham, Jaish al-Izza, and Turkish-backed Syrian factions, coordinated their efforts to push Assad’s forces back.

The fall of Aleppo was a turning point in the conflict, signaling that the opposition had the will and organizational strength to overthrow the regime. Over the following days, the rebels rapidly advanced across Syria, taking control of Hama, Homs, and Deraa—areas that were central to the uprising that had begun in 2011. By the end of the week, even the heart of the regime’s power, Damascus, fell into the hands of opposition fighters.

The End of al-Assad’s Rule: Why It Happened So Quickly

The swiftness of al-Assad’s fall can be attributed to several critical factors, both military and economic.

First, Syria’s economy had been in freefall for years. With widespread poverty, hyperinflation, and severe shortages, the economic suffering made it increasingly difficult for al-Assad to maintain control. Additionally, Syria’s reliance on the illicit drug trade, particularly the production of Captagon, helped fund the regime but did little to stabilize the country’s fragile economy.

Second, al-Assad had lost the loyalty of many of his forces. Soldiers and police officers, worn out by years of conflict, began abandoning their posts as the opposition advanced. Reports surfaced of military personnel handing over their weapons and fleeing the battlefield, signaling a collapse in morale that made it impossible for Assad’s forces to mount an effective defense.

Another major factor was the al-Assad regime’s reliance on foreign support. Russia and Iran had been instrumental in propping up the government for years, but both countries were increasingly stretched. Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and Iran’s military struggles in the region left al-Assad with little external assistance. Meanwhile, Hezbollah, Iran’s Lebanese ally, had also been weakened by Israeli strikes, further limiting the regime’s military options.

Syrians Celebrate: The End of a Brutal Era

As news of al-Assad’s flight spread, cities across Syria erupted in celebrations. In Damascus, Homs, and other major cities, opposition fighters and civilians gathered in public squares, waving revolutionary flags, chanting anti-Assad slogans, and honking car horns in jubilant celebration. Many people climbed atop tanks and stormed statues of Bashar’s father, Hafez al-Assad, symbolically ending the family’s decades-long grip on power.

In addition to the celebrations, opposition fighters freed prisoners from regime-controlled facilities, including the notorious Sednaya Prison on the outskirts of Damascus. Sednaya had long been a symbol of the regime’s human rights abuses, and its liberation marked a decisive moment in the revolution against al-Assad’s rule.

What Happens Now? The Road Ahead for Syria

Although al-Assad’s regime has collapsed, the future of Syria hangs in the balance, with uncertainty still looming. The opposition forces are fragmented, and Syria remains deeply fractured along political, sectarian, and regional lines. Various factions, many of whom have conflicting agendas, will need to cooperate if a stable transition is to be achieved.

The potential for Syria to rebuild itself exists, but analysts warn that there are numerous risks ahead. If the factions do not agree on governance, the country could slip into further violence and instability. The Syrian National Army, allied with the opposition, has already expressed willingness to form a transitional government, with HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Julani stating that public institutions would remain under the supervision of a new government until a formal transition can be completed.

For the moment, Syria’s fate lies in the hands of the people who fought against the al-Assad regime. How they choose to rebuild their country and what leadership they select will determine whether Syria can move forward in peace or remain mired in conflict.

As the situation unfolds, the international community will be watching closely, offering hope and caution. While the fall of al-Assad is a victory for many Syrians, the long road to peace and stability has only just begun.

Source: AlJazeera

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