Opposition Forces Take Control of Damascus After Bashar al-Assad's Departure

Damascus, Dec 8 (NationPress) In a remarkable shift of power on Sunday, opposition forces in Syria took control of the capital city, Damascus, following a swift military offensive that caused major cities to fall one after another within a matter of days.

Upon takeover, opposition fighters appeared on state television to declare what they termed the fall of Damascus and the end of President Bashar al-Assad's regime.

A soldier in military gear, flanked by armed comrades, broadcasted a statement, referring to it as 'Statement No. 1.' He asserted that rebel units had successfully captured the capital.

According to opposition activists, the rebel forces entered Damascus at dawn on Sunday, as reported by the British-based war monitor Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, according to Xinhua news agency.

The monitor indicated that numerous government soldiers were ordered to withdraw from Damascus International Airport and were seen changing from their military uniforms into civilian attire.

Several media sources have reported that al-Assad has fled the nation, based on claims from rebel forces.

Xinhua reporters in Damascus reported hearing intense gunfire echoing through the streets, with heavy traffic as vehicles left the capital.

Civilians took to the streets, waving the 'revolution flag', an older symbol used in Syria prior to the reign of Hafez al-Assad, the late father of Bashar al-Assad.

Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Al-Jallali expressed his willingness to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the people of Syria.

Opposition military leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa, known as Abu Mohammad Al-Julani, stated that Al-Jallali would manage public institutions until a formal transition of power is completed.

"We extend our hands to every Syrian citizen committed to safeguarding the nation's resources," Al-Jallali stated during a televised speech. "Syria belongs to all its citizens, and I urge everyone to think rationally about the best interests of the nation."

Al-Julani instructed the opposition forces in Damascus to avoid approaching public institutions and prohibited celebratory gunfire. "These facilities will remain under the watch of the former prime minister until they are formally handed over," he mentioned in a statement.

The opposition celebrated the release of inmates from Sednaya Prison near Damascus. The facility was evacuated as security forces retreated.

Flight data from the tracking platform FlightRadar24 indicated a Syrian Air aircraft departing from Damascus amidst reports of opposition control over the capital. Initially bound for the Alawite-dominated coastal area, the plane abruptly altered its course before disappearing from radar, sparking speculation about a potential evacuation of high-ranking government officials.

Earlier on Sunday, opposition fighters secured complete control of Homs, a crucial city and strategic junction, after a brief yet intense battle. This victory disrupted connections between Damascus and the coastal strongholds of al-Assad's Alawite faction.

"The fall of Homs signifies a historic moment," Al-Julani stated, urging his fighters to exercise restraint towards those who surrender. Thousands of prisoners within the city were released as security forces retreated, reportedly setting fire to government documents before leaving.