In a momentous turn of events, Syrian state television aired a dramatic announcement on Sunday, signaling the end of Bashar al-Assad’s rule.
A group of men declared the ouster of Assad and the release of all prisoners, calling for unity among Syrians.
The broadcast followed a swift and decisive campaign by anti-regime armed groups, culminating in their takeover of Damascus early Sunday.
The statement urged opposition members and citizens to safeguard the institutions of the “free Syrian state.”
The regime’s downfall traces back to fierce clashes that erupted on November 27 near Aleppo, a northern Syrian stronghold.
By November 30, anti-regime forces had seized central Aleppo and the entire province of Idlib in a series of lightning advances.
Last Thursday, the city center of Hama also fell after heavy fighting, paving the way for further operations.
In Homs, the strategically vital province leading to Damascus, opposition forces gained control over the provincial center on Saturday.
The offensive spread southward, with Daraa and Suwayda provinces captured from regime control by Friday and Saturday, respectively.
Opposition groups also claimed Quneitra and the Defense and Interior ministries in Damascus by late Saturday.
The swift advance left Assad’s forces retreating from key installations, including the international airport, by Sunday morning.
Rumors swirl regarding Assad’s whereabouts, with no confirmation on whether he has fled the country.
Separately, the Syrian National Army launched “Operation Dawn of Freedom” against the PKK/YPG in Aleppo, securing Tel Rifaat on December 1.
With the Assad regime toppled, the nation braces for an uncertain but transformative chapter in its history.