The Syrian government appeared to have fallen in a lightning offensive on Sunday, with rebel forces announcing the start of a "new era," one of "peaceful coexistence," saying the country is "free" after President Bashar al-Assad reportedly fled the capital.
"After 50 years of oppression under Baathist rule and 13 years of criminality, tyranny and displacement, and after a long struggle, confronting all sorts of occupation forces, we declare today, December 8, 2024, the end of that dark era and the start of a new era for Syria," the rebels said in a statement.
At the same time, Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi al-Jalali announced his readiness to work with any leader chosen by the people and to hand over power peacefully. The leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebel group, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, said public institutions "will remain under the supervision of the former prime minister until it is handed over officially."
