ALEPPO – Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled Syria on Sunday after thousands of rebel forces stormed the capital, according to military officials.
Assad, who had been in power since 2000, departed the country on a plane, with his whereabouts remaining unknown. Rebel forces claimed control of Damascus shortly after his departure. Syrian military sources confirmed that his plane took off as rebels declared victory.
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The development follows rebel forces taking full control of Homs after a swift battle. The Syrian army officially announced the end of Assad’s 24-year rule, signaling a significant shift in the country’s leadership.
Amid the upheaval, Prime Minister Jalali called for a peaceful power transition, urging citizens to maintain calm and avoid damaging public property. However, he refrained from addressing Assad’s reported escape. Rebels warned against accessing state-controlled facilities still tied to the former administration.
Celebrations erupted in Homs and Damascus, where citizens toppled Assad’s statues, symbolizing the fall of his regime. Crowds chanted slogans for freedom, marking what they called the end of years of oppression.
