This development follows reports of opposition forces capturing Homs, Syria’s third-largest city, intensifying the fall of Assad’s regime. Jubilant crowds gathered in public squares across Syria to celebrate, chanting anti-Assad slogans and honking vehicle horns. Gunfire echoed in several areas, symbolizing a turning point in the nation’s civil strife.
Voices of the Revolution
Among the celebrants was 29-year-old attorney Omar Daher, who expressed both relief and disbelief. “My emotions are beyond words,” he said. “Assad and his father ruled with terror and panic for decades. This moment feels unreal.”
Daher recounted personal losses, including the death of his father at the hands of security forces and the disappearance of his brother. “Assad is a dog, a tyrant, and a criminal,” he added.
In a symbolic gesture, a video aired on Syrian state television showed opposition fighters claiming to have freed all political prisoners. The statement called on citizens to support the “free Syrian state” and maintain government institutions during the transition.
Global Reactions
Russia, a long-time ally and supporter of Assad, appears to have shifted its stance. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump claimed that Moscow no longer prioritizes Syria due to its focus on the Ukraine conflict. Writing on Truth Social, Trump said, “Russia turned its back on Assad. Nearly 600,000 Russian soldiers are either wounded or dead in Ukraine, leaving Syria as an afterthought.”
In response to the unrest, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the deployment of troops to the buffer zone near the Golan Heights. Lt. Col. Avichay Adraee stated, “The IDF has taken measures to ensure the safety of residents in the Golan Heights and the citizens of Israel in light of events in Syria and the potential for armed groups entering the buffer zone.”
The Road Ahead
With Assad’s departure, Syria enters uncharted territory. The Operations Room to Conquer Damascus, the coalition of opposition forces, now faces the immense task of stabilizing the nation and addressing years of destruction. International observers are closely monitoring the situation, anticipating both opportunities and challenges for Syria’s future.
For Syrians, the fall of Assad signifies the end of an era marked by violence and authoritarianism—and the beginning of a long and arduous journey toward rebuilding a fractured nation.
