Syria, once under the tight grip of President Bashar al-Assad for over five decades, is witnessing a monumental shift as rebels have taken control of the capital, Damascus. On Sunday morning, reports emerged that President Assad had fled the country, marking the apparent collapse of his regime. In a significant development, Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Jalali announced that the government was prepared to hand over power to the opposition.

"Ready to Hand Over Power"

Prime Minister Jalali, in a video message, confirmed that the government was ready to transfer authority to the opposition, stating that it was fully prepared to delegate responsibilities. He emphasized that he had not left Syria, reaffirming his allegiance to the country. “I am in my home. I have not left the country. I am a Syrian, and I will not leave this nation. Please, rebels, do not destroy public property,” Jalali urged.

End of 54-Year Family Rule

The rebels' control of Damascus has led to widespread reports of President Assad fleeing the country with his family, signaling the end of the Assad family’s 54-year rule over Syria. Assad's departure marks the collapse of a regime that has been in power since his father, Hafez al-Assad, seized control in 1970 through a military coup. Hafez ruled Syria until his death in 2000, after which Bashar al-Assad took over.

A Turning Point in the Conflict

Rebels have declared the end of the Assad era, with one opposition leader stating that Damascus had been liberated from Assad’s oppressive rule. “The dark era is over, and a new chapter is beginning for Syria,” he said. Meanwhile, celebrations broke out across the city, with rebels firing guns into the air and chanting slogans against Assad. Central squares were filled with jubilant crowds, honking car horns and denouncing the former president as a criminal and a dictator.

Key Statements from Rebel Leaders

Abu Mohammad al-Golani, leader of the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), called for the cessation of hostilities in Damascus and demanded that government institutions be officially handed over to the opposition. His statement gained significance after Prime Minister Jalali's announcement that the government was prepared to cede power.

With Assad's apparent flight and the rebels taking over key areas of the capital, it seems that Syria is entering a new phase of its turbulent history. As the dust settles, both the international community and Syrian citizens await to see how the situation will evolve in the coming days.