Hayat Tahrir al-Sham fighters seize control of Damascus as President Bashar al-Assad’s regime collapses
In a dramatic turn of events, the Syrian government was toppled early Sunday, marking the end of President Bashar al-Assad's 24-year tenure. The militant group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) successfully seized control of Damascus, the nation's capital, bringing an abrupt conclusion to Assad's prolonged leadership over the Arab country.
On Sunday morning, HTS militants announced the seizure of the capital, corroborating earlier reports regarding the collapse of the Assad administration.
Earlier today, Reuters reported that an unnamed officer stated the Syrian army command had informed its officers that the government led by Assad had been overthrown.
**Syrian Prime Minister Expresses Willingness to Collaborate on Power Transition**
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi al-Jalali has announced the government’s willingness to reach out to militant groups and facilitate a transfer of responsibilities to a transitional government.
In a video statement, he declared, “I remain within my residence, having not departed, due to my allegiance to this nation.”
He further stated that he plans to resume his duties at the office in the morning, urging Syrian citizens to refrain from vandalizing public property.
On November 27, foreign-supported militants, spearheaded by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, launched a coordinated assault on Aleppo and its surrounding areas, including the Idlib countryside, in Syria.
In a swift and strategic move, several key Syrian cities, including Hama, Homs, Dara’a, Suwayda, and Damascus, fell into their control shortly thereafter.
HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani has urged militants to refrain from causing damage to state institutions.
In a statement issued on Telegram, military personnel in Damascus have been instructed not to approach public institutions, which will continue to be monitored by the former Prime Minister until a formal transition occurs. Additionally, the discharge of firearms into the air is expressly prohibited.
**HTS Announces Downfall of Assad Regime**
In a recent announcement, the militant group HTS, self-identified as the Syrian National Transitional Council, declared it has successfully overthrown the Assad regime.
The entity also committed to maintaining the unity and sovereignty of Syrian territory, safeguarding all citizens and their properties irrespective of their affiliations, and striving towards comprehensive national reconciliation.
Syrian state television has broadcast a video in which a faction of militants claims to have successfully ousted President Bashar al-Assad and announced the release of all prisoners.
A spokesperson for the militant group announced that Damascus has been liberated.
“All inmates have been released from Damascus prison. We urge all fighters and citizens to protect and uphold Syrian state property. Long live Syria.”
‘UN to Collaborate on Power Transition Process’
Hadi al-Bahra, leader of the Syrian National Coalition, assured that the conditions are stable, emphasizing that there is no cause for retaliation or vengeance.
According to a statement made to Al-Arabiya, government institutions are set to recommence activities within the next 48 hours. Furthermore, the transition of power is slated to proceed in collaboration with the United Nations.
