Syrian Rebels Announce Capture of Damascus and Fall of Assad Regime on State Television

Moments ago on Syrian state television, rebels announced the capture of Damascus, the overthrow of the Assad regime, and the release of prisoners. Syrian rebels stated in a televised statement that they have liberated Damascus and toppled the 24-year regime of Bashar Assad, adding that all prisoners have been released. Two senior Syrian army officers told Reuters that Assad, who had suppressed all opposition groups and imprisoned thousands, left Damascus for an unknown destination early today, while rebels entered the capital without any signs of military presence. In another report, a pro-Assad newspaper distanced itself from the fallen president, stating, 'We only executed orders.' According to the Associated Press, organizations that were previously close to Bashar Assad's government are trying to distance themselves following the rapid fall of his regime. The pro-government Syrian newspaper Al-Watan wrote, 'We are facing a new page for Syria. We thank God that no more blood has been shed. We believe and trust that Syria will belong to all the Syrian people.' This newspaper emphasized in a statement released by its managers that media staff should not be blamed for publishing government statements in the past. The statement read, 'We only executed orders and published the news that was sent to us. It has now quickly become clear that it was a lie.' In a statement from the Alawite sect, to which Assad belongs and which forms the core of his base, young people were urged to 'remain calm, rational, and wise and not to be drawn into anything that tears our country's unity apart.' The statement said, 'We have been and are defenders of peace and supporters of unity.' Following the rapid and smooth advance of opposition groups against Bashar Assad's government, these groups entered Damascus, the capital of Syria, on Sunday, December 9, 1403 (Persian calendar) without facing resistance from government forces, officially ending Bashar Assad's rule. Previously, Sean South, spokesperson for the National Security Council at the White House, announced in a post on X that Joe Biden and his team are closely monitoring the extraordinary developments in Syria and are in constant communication with regional partners. News image; the entry of two thousand Syrian soldiers into Iraq from the al-Qaim border and a request for asylum. The end of the Assad family's rule in Syria; opponents also captured Damascus. Bashar Assad's flight and the potential fall of the government following the rapid advance of opponents. The U.S.: Preventing the return of ISIS is our priority, but we will not enter a war. The advance of Assad's opponents towards Damascus; the people of Syria are in fear and hope.