A coalition of Syrian rebel forces claimed Sunday they have entered Damascus and taken control of key positions in the capital, marking a potential turning point in the country's long-running civil conflict. "Militarily, Damascus has fallen," a source familiar with the advance told CNN, ending the 54-year rule of the Assad family and the Alawite minority. Bashar Assad, whose whereabouts are still unknown, ruled the country from 2000, succeeding his father Hafez, who had ruled since 1970.
Video: Assad statue toppled in Damascus after rebels seize city / Credit: Arab social media
In a statement posted on Telegram, the Military Operations Command declared: "We declare the city of Damascus free from the tyrant Bashar al-Assad," adding, "To the displaced all over the world, a free Syria awaits you."
While the rebels assert that President Bashar al-Assad has fled Damascus, Syria's presidential office and Iranian officials have maintained he remains in the capital. US officials told CNN that his regime could soon collapse, as rebels say they are in communication with senior Assad regime officers considering defection.
Video: Rebels announce takeover of Damascus / Credit: Arab social media
A Syrian Air plane had left Damascus airport when the capital fell, according to data from the Flightradar website, with rebels claiming they had downed it. It was unclear who was on board, although initially, it was heading to the Alawite stronghold on the coast before abruptly making a U-turn.
Two senior army sources told Reuters Assad had confirmed Assad boarded a plane early Sunday and left Damascus to an unknown destination. The opposition forces also announced they have "fully liberated" Homs, Syria's third-largest city, just over a week after capturing Aleppo. Residents were observed removing Assad's posters in scenes reminiscent of pro-democracy demonstrations that occurred in the city during the Arab Spring more than a decade ago.
Video: Syrians celebrate in Damascus after Assad regime falls // Reuters
Earlier, a significant development reported by CNN was that the rebels had taken control of the Saydnaya Military Prison north of Damascus. Amnesty International had previously termed this facility "the human slaughterhouse" in a 2017 report documenting mass hangings. A July 2023 UN High Commissioner for Human Rights report highlighted "continuing widespread and systematic patterns of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, including enforced disappearances" at Syrian detention facilities, including Saydnaya.
According to statements released Sunday morning, rebel forces are moving to capture state media offices in Damascus. A resident of the Barzeh neighborhood confirmed to CNN that rebels were present in the area and clashes were occurring.
Video: Rebels visit the palace of former tyrant Bashar Assad / Credit: Arab social media
Chaos erupted at Damascus airport early Sunday at 12:28 a.m. local time as the rebel forces advanced into the capital. CNN verified footage showing dozens of people rushing through security checkpoints and hurrying to departure gates in attempts to leave the country. The airport appeared largely unstaffed, with flight monitoring websites showing no scheduled imminent departures.
