Today, Sunday, December 8, 2024, marked the end of Bashar al-Assad’s regime as the Syrian leader fled the country. Armed opposition forces entered the presidential palace and issued their first statement via Syrian state television.
The Syrian Prime Minister officially declared the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in a video statement, adding that he had not left Syria and was still in his residence. Following their entry into Damascus, the opposition released their inaugural message on state television. Appearing in civilian attire, the opposition forces announced the beginning of a new chapter for Syria, emphasizing peaceful coexistence. They stated: “Syria belongs to all Syrians, regardless of background.”
The statement frequently used terms such as “the liberation of Damascus” and “the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad.” The opposition called on citizens and their forces to safeguard the assets of what they termed the “Free Syria.” Concluding the address, they chanted the slogan, “Long live Syria.”
With Bashar al-Assad’s rule now over, Syria faces a transition of power to the opposition. However, the direction of governance in a post-Assad Syria remains to be seen and will require the passage of time to determine.
