Syrians awoke to a new reality Monday as President Bashar al-Assad reportedly resigned and fled to Russia, ending his regime's 14-year hold amid a lightning offensive by militant groups. The collapse marks a stunning turn in Syria's devastating civil war, leaving the nation at a crossroads. 💥
A Rapid Fall
Led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), militants launched a surprise northern offensive on Nov. 27, capturing Damascus by Dec. 9—a feat once deemed unimaginable. The campaign toppled key cities like Aleppo and Idlib before reaching the capital, where resistance crumbled within hours. 🏙️→💣
Decisive Battles
The final blow came Sunday dawn as fighters seized Homs, severing Damascus from coastal Alawite strongholds. This strategic win left government forces fragmented, accelerating the regime's implosion. Analysts call it 'the Middle East's most seismic shift since ISIS' fall.'
With al-Assad now in Russia and no clear successor, Syrians face looming questions: Who will govern? Will foreign powers intervene? And can stability emerge from chaos? 🔍🌏
Reference(s):
Syrian government collapses in sudden upheaval with uncertain future
cgtn.com