Syrian President Bashar Assad flees as his government collapses and insurgents enter Damascus
Syria’s government appears to have fallen after opposition fighters advanced into Damascus, marking a dramatic turning point in the country’s civil war.
Reports suggest President Bashar Assad has fled the country, leaving the capital in chaos. Opposition forces announced early Sunday they had entered Damascus, with residents reporting heavy gunfire and explosions.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition monitor, confirmed Assad’s departure on a flight to an undisclosed location.
Two senior Syrian army officers corroborated the claim, while U.S. officials told CBS News they were unaware of Assad’s whereabouts. The Syrian army reportedly informed its officers that Assad’s rule had ended.
Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali stated the government was ready to hand over power to a transitional authority. In a video message, Jalali insisted he remained in Syria and urged citizens to preserve public property, though he did not comment on Assad’s reported flight.
Pro-government media reported that Damascus International Airport had been evacuated, with all flights suspended.
Meanwhile, opposition forces claimed to have entered Saydnaya military prison, releasing detainees held there.
The rapid fall of Damascus followed an offensive launched by insurgents on November 27, during which they surrounded the capital and captured several major cities, including Homs.
This marks the first time opposition fighters have reached Damascus since 2018. Iranian forces backing Assad reportedly withdrew from Syria as the offensive intensified. U.S. officials had predicted Damascus’ collapse, describing the insurgents’ advance as unprecedented in its speed and scale.
The situation remains fluid as the opposition consolidates control and prepares for the next phase of Syria’s uncertain future.
