Syrian rebels seized Damascus on Sunday.
Syrian rebels seized Damascus on Sunday, December 8, 2024, ending President Bashar al-Assad’s decades-long rule. This dramatic takeover came after an 11-day offensive that swept through major cities. Rebel forces from multiple groups coordinated attacks from opposite directions, overwhelming the regime’s defenses.
The fall of Assad’s government triggered the release of thousands of prisoners from notorious facilities, including Saydnaya prison. Among those freed was 61-year-old Suheil Hamawi, who returned home to Lebanon after spending 33 years in detention. His reunion with his twin brother, Nicolas, was an emotional moment celebrated in their hometown of Chekka. “It feels like being born again,” Nicolas shared, reflecting on the years lost to separation.
Inside Syria, chaotic scenes unfolded at Saydnaya prison. Crowds gathered, hoping to find loved ones amid rumors of hidden detention areas. However, the White Helmets, a volunteer civil defense group, confirmed there were no undiscovered cells in the facility. The prison, infamous for torture and mass killings, stands as a grim symbol of the Assad regime’s brutal rule.
Rebel leaders have called for former regime security forces to register at newly established “settlement centers.” Amnesty was granted to conscripted soldiers, but officers and volunteers remain under scrutiny. This move aims to stabilize the region and integrate former regime members into the new order.
International reactions are unfolding rapidly. U.S. President Joe Biden emphasized support for a Syrian-led transition under UN guidelines during a call with Jordan’s King Abdullah II. The focus remains on maintaining regional stability and addressing humanitarian needs.
The swift collapse of the Assad regime marks a turning point in Syria’s turbulent history. The nation now faces the challenge of rebuilding and reconciling after years of conflict.
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