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December 8, 2024
The rebel alliance's offensive in Syria, which has been ongoing for weeks, reached its preliminary climax on Sunday: The fighters report the capture of Damascus and the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. The whereabouts of the long-time ruler are currently unknown. International actors are observing the development with concern and are calling for de-escalation.
Reports of heavy fighting and explosions in the Syrian capital Damascus dominated Sunday morning. The rebel alliance, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), announced via social media the capture of the city and Assad's flight. Images on social networks show jubilant people in the streets of Damascus waving opposition flags. At the same time, there are reports of looting and attacks on facilities, including foreign embassies.
Where Bashar al-Assad has gone is currently unconfirmed. Rumors range from a flight abroad to speculation about a plane crash. The international community is reacting with concern to the latest developments. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the fall of Assad as "good news," but at the same time warned of a power vacuum that could encourage further radicalization. Similar appeals for de-escalation and the protection of minorities came from other countries and international organizations.
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed al-Dschalali declared himself ready to negotiate with the rebels about an orderly transfer of power. Al-Dschalali emphasized that he wanted to act in the interest of the Syrian people and enable a peaceful transition. HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Dscholani, in turn, promised the protection of public institutions and a renunciation of violence. Whether these assurances can be kept in view of the chaotic situation in Damascus remains to be seen.
With the alleged fall of Bashar al-Assad, an era in Syria ends. The power struggle, which began in 2011 with peaceful protests and escalated into a bloody civil war, has permanently changed the country. Millions of people have been displaced, hundreds of thousands killed. The future of Syria remains uncertain. The international community faces the challenge of supporting a peace process and promoting the reconstruction of the destroyed country. Whether this will succeed in view of the complex situation and the differing interests of the actors involved is questionable.
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