In a dramatic turn of events, Russia announced on Sunday that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has resigned from his post and fled the country as rebel forces stormed the capital, Damascus. Assad’s departure marks the end of his nearly 14-year presidency, which was marred by a prolonged civil war and allegations of widespread repression.
Russia’s Statement
Russia’s foreign ministry claimed that Assad held discussions with various factions involved in the conflict before stepping down. According to Moscow, Assad instructed his administration to facilitate a peaceful transfer of power before leaving Syria.
“As a result of talks between B. Assad and a range of participants in the conflict on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic, he decided to resign from his presidential post and leave the country, giving instructions to proceed with the peaceful transfer of power,” the foreign ministry stated.
Notably, Russia denied participating in these talks, maintaining its distance from the developments.
Assad’s Disappearance and Rebel Takeover
Reports earlier in the day suggested that Assad, his wife Asma, and their two children fled Damascus to an undisclosed location as rebels advanced into the capital. Rebel forces encountered little resistance, with no signs of army deployment to counter their move. The current whereabouts of the Assad family remain unknown.
The rebel takeover triggered celebrations across Syria, marking the end of the Assad family’s decades-long rule. In Damascus, revellers toppled statues of Hafez al-Assad, Bashar’s late father, and trampled on them. Similar scenes unfolded in other cities, including Aleppo and Daraa, where statues of Hafez and Bassel al-Assad, Bashar’s brother, were destroyed.
Palace Raids and Looting
Rebel mobs ransacked Assad’s palaces, looting furniture, ornaments, and other valuables. Videos and images from the Al-Rawda Presidential Palace showed men carrying luxurious chairs and other items. The Muhajreen Palace faced a similar fate as mobs stormed its premises.
Assad’s Legacy
Bashar al-Assad inherited power in 2000 following the death of his father, Hafez al-Assad, who had ruled Syria since 1970 after a coup. Bashar’s presidency began with promises of reform but quickly turned authoritarian, especially following the 2011 uprising that began with peaceful protests. The government’s brutal crackdown on dissent sparked a devastating civil war that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions.
The end of Assad’s rule marks a significant shift in Syria’s political landscape, leaving questions about the nation’s future governance and stability as the rebels consolidate their control.
Global Reactions Awaited
As news of Assad’s resignation spreads, global leaders and organizations are expected to weigh in on the implications for Syria and the broader Middle East. Meanwhile, Syrians continue to celebrate what they see as the dawn of a new era.
Sources By Agencies
