On Sunday, following 13 years of civil war that deeply divided the country, Bashar al-Assad’s regime collapsed. Rebel fighters announced Damascus as “liberated” in a video statement broadcast on state television, prompting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to flee to Russia. For 50 years, the Assad family maintained authoritarian control over Syria, with a history of mass imprisonment, torture, extrajudicial killings, and severe atrocities against their own citizens.

Many in the nation are optimistic about Syria’s future. However, the rebels who seized control of Damascus have a complex history and an uncertain path ahead. White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby described it as an “open question” who is currently governing Syria, reflecting the cautious stance of the international community.

An armed rebel alliance swept across Syria in just 11 days, capturing key cities and reigniting a conflict that had remained largely dormant since a 2020 ceasefire. Led by the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the new rebel coalition launched a surprise offensive, seizing control of Syria’s largest city, Aleppo, on November 30. This significant move faced minimal resistance from the Syrian army.

Despite airstrikes by Syrian and Russian jets targeting rebels in Aleppo and Idlib, opposition forces captured a second major city, Hama, and rapidly advanced toward Homs, the strategic gateway to Damascus. With the fall of Homs, the rebels encircled Damascus and stormed the capital. Footage showed prisoners being liberated from Assad’s infamous detention centers, civilians and rebels looting the presidential palace, and glimpses of Assad’s opulent lifestyle, including his extensive car collection.

“Fundamental act of justice” but also “a moment of risk”- Joe Biden, President of United States

“The developments in Syria in recent hours and days are unprecedented, and we are speaking to our partners in the region and monitoring the situation closely, – British Prime Minister

Who are the Rebels?

Syria’s rebel coalition, known as the “Military Operations Command,” is a newly formed alliance comprising various Islamist and moderate factions. Despite their ideological differences, these groups are united in opposing the Assad regime, ISIS, and Iran-backed militias.

The coalition is led by Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the head of the militant group HTS, whose history is complex. Once allied with al Qaeda and a protégé of future ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, al-Jolani has since worked to distance his forces from the radical Islamist agenda of his former associates.

In 2016, he announced a break from al Qaeda to establish Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (Front for the Conquest of the Levant), a Syria-focused anti-regime coalition with other local groups. This organization later evolved into Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), also known as the Organization for the Liberation of the Levant.

The United States, Turkey, the United Nations, and several other Western nations continue to classify HTS as a terrorist organization, and the US has offered a $10 million reward for information leading to the capture of Jolani.

Bashar al-Assad Gets Asylum in Moscow:

Mr. Bashar al-Assad departed from the Syrian capital, Damascus, after his government fell due to a swift offensive by anti-regime forces across the country, marking the end of his 24-year rule.

Bashar al-Assad and his family have arrived in Moscow and been granted asylum “for humanitarian reasons.” as per Russian Media.

Bashar al-Assad’s end of regime in Syria and asylum in Moscow could heighten Israel-Iran tensions. Syria has been a crucial field for Iranian influence, backing Hezbollah and other proxies. Russia’s protection of Assad might indirectly enhance Iranian influence in Syria, raising Israeli concerns about Iran’s military presence along its borders.