Two Seismic Weeks Marking the Fall of Bashar Assad's Government in Syria

In a swift turn of events, the Assad family's 50-year rule in Syria collapsed as insurgents rapidly advanced towards Damascus. The rebels, emerging from a stronghold, faced minimal resistance as they captured city after city. President Bashar Assad, who ruled for 24 years after his father Hafez Assad, fled the country. Russian media reported his presence in Moscow, marking a significant shift in Syria's 13-year conflict.

The conflict began in 2011 with anti-government protests that were met with severe repression, escalating into a civil war. This war has claimed over half a million lives and displaced half of Syria's prewar population of 23 million. Assad, with support from Iran and Russia, regained control over two-thirds of Syria, leaving rebels confined to the northwest. The situation remained stagnant until late November.

Rebel Offensive Begins

On November 27, armed opposition groups launched an extensive attack on government-controlled areas in northwestern Syria. They claimed control over more than 15 villages in Aleppo province. The government responded with airstrikes and shelling to halt the insurgents' progress. The offensive was spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly linked to al-Qaida but now classified as a terrorist group by the UN and US.

The attack followed weeks of low-level violence, including government strikes on opposition-held regions. Turkey, a key supporter of Syrian opposition groups, stated that the rebels initially launched a limited offensive to stop these attacks. However, it expanded as government forces began retreating.

Rebels Capture Aleppo

By November 29, insurgents entered Aleppo for the first time since their expulsion in 2016 by Syrian forces backed by Russia and Iran. They encountered little resistance and soon claimed control over Aleppo on November 30. Rebels raised their flag over the city's citadel and occupied the international airport. By evening, they had seized four towns in Hama province and reportedly entered its capital.

Government Counterattack

On December 1, the Syrian military launched a counteroffensive with troops and airstrikes targeting Idlib and Aleppo. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Damascus, pledging Tehran's support for the counterattack. However, Assad received limited assistance from allies as Russia was preoccupied with its conflict in Ukraine and Iran's regional proxies were weakened by airstrikes.

From December 2 to December 4, fighting intensified near Hama as insurgents advanced within 10 kilometers of the city. State media reported fierce battles while both state media and a UK-based observer group noted that government forces recaptured some territory with Russian air support. Turkey urged Assad to negotiate with the opposition.

Insurgents Capture Hama

On December 5, after days of fighting, rebels took control of Hama. Jubilant fighters celebrated in Assi Square, a site of major anti-government protests in 2011. The Syrian army stated it had redeployed outside the city to protect civilians.

Rebels Advance on Homs

By December 6, rebels seized two towns near Homs, Syria's third-largest city located about 40 kilometers south of Hama. Capturing Homs would sever Damascus from the coastal region where Assad has strong support. The government denied reports of military withdrawal from Homs as top diplomats from several countries held talks on Syria in Doha.

Homs Falls; Assad's Grip Weakens

On December 7, opposition forces took control of Homs after government forces abandoned it. Insurgents claimed they encircled Damascus and were executing the "final stage" of their offensive. UN special envoy Geir Pedersen sought urgent talks for an "orderly political transition," while Syrian state media denied Assad had fled.

Assad Toppled

On December 8, Syrian state television aired a video statement declaring President Bashar Assad's overthrow and release of all prisoners. HTS commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani called it a victory for "the Islamic nation." Russian officials confirmed Assad left Syria; later reports indicated he was granted asylum in Moscow along with his family.

Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali announced Syria's readiness to "extend its hand" to the opposition and transfer power to a transitional government.