Syrian rebels claim victory as Assad flees. What next? | LBC analysis
December 8, 2024
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10:59Now PlayingSyrian rebels claim victory as Assad flees. What next? | LBC analysis
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as posted by the channelThe Syrian government appears to have fallen after rebels took control of Homs overnight, reportedly entering Damascus and toppling the Assad regime.
Matthew Wright is joined by expert Emma Beals (00:00) and Syrian political commentator Siba Menwar (06:01).
President Bashar al Assad fled Damascus on a plane as rebels closed in, setting out for an unknown destination, two senior Syrian army officers speaking told the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Syria's army command has now officially notified officers that his 24-year rule has ended, according to Reuters.
The rebels form part of a rapidly moving offensive that has seen them take over some of Syria's largest cities in recent days.
Syria's Prime Minister, Ghazi al-Jalali, added that he too was ready to hand over governmental to the opposition in a peaceful transition of power.
"I am here in my home," the Prime Minister said.
"I have not left it and do not intend to leave, except in a peaceful manner that ensures the continued functioning of public institutions and state facilities, promoting security and reassurance for our fellow citizens."
Abu Mohammed Al-Jawlani, the leader of HTS, the main victorious rebel group, has said that Syria could now transition into a more democratic nation, with support from the UN and international assistance.
Saturday saw opposition forces take total control of the key city of Homs - after a resurgence in fighting in the last week which started in Aleppo.
Earlier in the day, reports suggested the rebels had reached the suburbs of Damascus, showing an overnight surge by the rebels to take the Syrian capital.
Protesters were seen to bring down a statue of the late father of Syria's president in the main square of a suburb, a few miles from the centre of the capital.
Celebratory gunfire could be heard echoing in the streets, with rebels firing into the air with flags draped around their shoulders.
The group has called for the downfall of Mr Assad and headed to government buildings in the heavily policed area of the city.
Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents are now active in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya.
According to Reuters, rebel sources say they had reached a deal for the army to withdraw from the Deraa region on Saturday.
Military officials were reportedly being given safe passage to the capital, Damascus - which sits roughly 100km away.
As the situation developed, Incoming US president Donald Trump said that the US will not involve themselves in the conflict under his administration.
The President-elect said on Twitter: "Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!"
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