In a historic turn of events, President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria has collapsed as rebel forces entered the capital city of Damascus, prompting Assad to reportedly flee to an unknown destination. The insurgents have declared Damascus free from Assad’s rule, ending his 24-year reign. The rebels launched their offensive less than two weeks ago, and the people of Syria have been celebrating across the country in response to the news.
Syrians living in Turkey, the country that has taken in the most Syrian refugees, have been especially jubilant at the news of Assad’s departure from Damascus. In Istanbul, Syrians have been seen dancing, chanting, and waving flags representing the opposition to mark the victory. Many Syrians in Turkey had expressed that they could not return to their homeland while Assad remained in power. According to the United Nations, 3.6 million Syrians have sought refuge in Turkey since the start of the Syrian war in 2011.
The implications of Assad fleeing are significant not only for Syria but also for the wider region. It remains to be seen what the future holds for Syria and how the power vacuum left by Assad’s departure will be filled. DW News has spoken with experts on the matter, including Fawaz Gerges, a Professor of Middle Eastern Political and International Relations at the London School of Economics, to provide insight into the situation.
As the situation continues to unfold, the world will be closely watching to see how this development will impact Syria and the surrounding region. The departure of Assad marks a new chapter in Syria’s history, and the repercussions of this event will undoubtedly be felt far and wide.
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Video “Assad flees: What it means for Syria and the wider region | DW News” was uploaded on 12/08/2024 to Youtube Channel DW News