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Syrian rebels have seized control of Damascus, forcing dictator Bashar al-Assad to flee the capital and marking a potential end to his 24-year authoritarian rule. The lightning-fast offensive has dramatically reshaped the political landscape of Syria, sending shockwaves through the international community.
The rebel advance, primarily led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, has been methodical and swift. Over the past fortnight, they systematically captured major cities including Aleppo, Homs, and Hama before encircling Damascus. Video footage dramatically shows rebels walking through Assad's palace, chanting and exploring the abandoned residence.
Former MI6 head Sir John Sawers described the regime's collapse as a "surprise to everyone," noting how quickly the most loyal military forces capitulated. The sudden fall of the government has raised significant questions about the stability of the region and potential power vacuums.
British Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner welcomed the development, emphasizing the need for a political resolution that protects civilians and infrastructure. She pointedly noted that "dictatorship and terrorism creates problems for the people of Syria," highlighting the long-standing humanitarian crisis.
The rebels' victory revealed stark evidence of the regime's lavish lifestyle. Videos circulating online show a massive collection of luxury vehicles in Assad's palace garage, including high-end sports cars from Ferrari, Mercedes, and Porsche. This display of opulence stands in stark contrast to the suffering of Syrian civilians during years of conflict.
Looters quickly moved through government buildings, with some individuals seen carrying cash and valuables from the central bank. The palace itself became a scene of chaotic celebration, with rebels taking selfies and firing weapons into the air.
The whereabouts of Assad remain unknown, with reports suggesting he fled by air as rebel forces approached. This marks a potential conclusion to a civil war that has devastated Syria since the 2011 Arab Spring, a conflict that has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions.
The rebel groups, particularly HTS, have complex ideological backgrounds that raise questions about future governance and regional stability.
