Syria’s political history took a dramatic turn as Islamist-led opposition forces ousted President Bashar al-Assad, bringing an end to over five decades of his family’s rule. The swift takeover has sparked both celebration and uncertainty across the nation.
Rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, has pledged to seek justice for the victims of Assad’s regime. In a statement on Tuesday, Sharaa declared a commitment to holding accountable those responsible for torture and war crimes. He also announced a reward program to incentivize the public to provide information about officials involved in these crimes, including those who have fled the country.
Sharaa met with outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali on Monday to coordinate a peaceful transfer of power. According to a statement, the discussions focused on ensuring uninterrupted services for Syrians as the new government takes shape.
The regime’s collapse follows a rapid offensive by Sharaa’s Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) forces, which encountered little resistance as they captured key cities, including Damascus. Thousands of prisoners, many held on political charges, were freed during the advance, sparking scenes of emotional reunions and continued searches for missing loved ones.
Israel has intensified airstrikes across Syria since Assad’s fall, targeting military installations and suspected weapons facilities. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that over 250 airstrikes have destroyed key military sites, including research centers, naval ships, and air defense systems.
In a measured response, Israel has deployed troops into a buffer zone near the Golan Heights for “security reasons.” Meanwhile, Hezbollah, a former ally of Assad, condemned Israel’s actions, accusing it of expanding its occupation.
The international community has also responded to the transition. Germany and France expressed willingness to cooperate with the new Syrian leadership, provided human rights and minority protections are prioritized. However, countries like the UK have urged HTS to distance itself from terrorism to establish broader diplomatic ties.
Amid the political upheaval, Syrians are processing the reality of Assad’s departure. In Damascus, citizens celebrated their newfound freedom, describing it as a rebirth after decades of repression.
“It’s indescribable. We never thought this nightmare would end,” said Rim Ramadan, a civil servant. “For years, we were even afraid to speak freely in our homes. Now, we have hope for a better future.”
Despite the joy, the scars of the Assad regime remain visible. Freed detainees, many emaciated and bearing marks of torture, have wandered the streets of Damascus in search of families. At the notorious Saydnaya prison, crowds gathered to locate missing relatives, with reports of secret underground cells still being unearthed.
Speculation surrounds the fate of Assad, who reportedly fled Syria during the takeover. While unconfirmed reports suggest he may be in Moscow, the Kremlin has remained tight-lipped about his status. However, Russia’s involvement in propping up Assad’s regime over the years complicates its future relations with Syria’s new government.