The Syrian government has fallen, in a stunning end to the 50-year rule of the Assad family following a rapid rebel offensive.
Syrian rebels declared victory over President Bashar al-Assad’s regime early on Sunday, after fighters entered Damascus and the president reportedly fled the country. Two army officials said Assad boarded a plane and left for an unknown destination.
“After 50 years of oppression under Baath rule, and 13 years of crimes and tyranny and (forced) displacement… we announce today the end of this dark period and the start of a new era for Syria,” the rebels said on Telegram.
The dramatic collapse marks a seismic moment for the Middle East, ending the family’s iron-fisted rule over Syria and dealing a massive blow to Russia and Iran, which have lost a key ally at the heart of the region.
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali said the government was ready to “cooperate” with the opposition and hand over its functions in a peaceful transfer of power.
[Photo: Screenshot/DW]