Syria Civil War Live Updates: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has fled the country of Syria for an unknown destination, ending a fifty year regime. The Opposition forces in war-torn Syria took over the capital city of Damascus, early on Sunday.
Syrian Opposition said on Sunday they have begun entering the capital Damascus without any sign of army deployments. The developments mark the biggest challenge to President Bashar al-Assad’s rule since Syria’s civil war began in 2011.
“We celebrate with the Syrian people the news of freeing our prisoners and releasing their chains and announcing the end of the era of injustice in Sednaya prison,” they added. Sednaya is a large military prison on the outskirts Damascus where the Syrian government detained thousands.
The rapidly developing events have shaken the region. Lebanon said it was closing all its land border crossings with Syria except for one that links Beirut with Damascus. Jordan closed a border crossing with Syria, too.
Eight key countries gathered with the U.N. special envoy on Syria on the sidelines of the Doha Summit for two hours of discussions Saturday night, and more will follow. The UN envoy seeks urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.”
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Syria War Live: In Pics– Al-Assad’s downfall celebrated
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A woman uses her mobile phone near a damaged picture of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as people celebrate, after Syrian rebels announced that they have ousted President Bashar al-Assad, in Qamishli, Syria December 8, 2024. REUTERS/Orhan Qereman (REUTERS)
Syria War Live: The Syrian rebel coalition said it is continuing work to complete the transfer of power in Syria to a transitional governing body with full executive powers.
In a statement, it said:
“The great Syrian revolution has moved from the stage of struggle to overthrow the Assad regime to the struggle to build a Syria together that befits the sacrifices of its people.
As we have mentioned earlier in the blog, Bashar al-Assad, who has ruled the country for nearly 25 years, has reportedly left Damascus by plane for an unknown destination.
The president’s alleged departure comes less than two weeks after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist militant group leading the rebellion against government forces, launched a surprise and successful offensive in Syria.”
Syria War Live: Anwar Gargash, the UAE’s diplomatic advisor to the president, stated that Syria is still facing significant challenges, with extremism and terrorism remaining major concerns.
When asked about Bashar al-Assad’s whereabouts, Gargash told Al Jazeera, “I don’t know” if he is in the UAE. He also noted that Assad had not taken advantage of the support previously offered by Arab countries, including the UAE.
Syria War Live: Damascus resident Omar Horanieh describes a mix of celebration and caution in the city. While people continue to shoot guns in the streets, it’s a sign of joy rather than conflict, with chants of “Allah is the Greatest” and “Freedom!” ringing out.
Horanieh notes that while many are dancing, singing, and celebrating, there’s a sense of uncertainty about what comes next. Despite the ongoing gunfire, the mood is one of happiness, as people are relieved it’s a celebration, not more fighting.
Syria War Live: Ankara is recalibrating its policies as it seeks to see al-Assad removed and the opposition take control. One concern is preventing the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), largely made up of Kurdish fighters, from gaining more territory.
Another key issue is the large number of Syrian refugees, with Turkey hosting about 3.5 million. Ankara hopes a stable, opposition-controlled Syria will allow many refugees to return, offering relief to the Turkish economy.
Syria War Live: Syruian rebels issue statement amid power transfer process
The Syrian Rebel Coalition has called on Kurdish forces to disengage from any foreign organizations.
The coalition is continuing efforts to transfer power to a transitional governing body with full executive powers.
They stated that the Syrian revolution broke decades of tyranny and oppression, creating a new birth for a “Great Syria.”
Syria War Live: Iran is actively reassessing its strategic stance on Syria, according to analyst Tohid Asadi, who specializes in Iranian affairs. He noted that Tehran is “dynamically assessing” the unfolding situation and working to “remodify its geopolitical and strategic position.”
Asadi also highlighted that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is currently in Doha for discussions on the developments. The analyst emphasized that Tehran is showing significant concern over the situation in Syria, with a noticeable surge in diplomatic activity from the Islamic Republic in recent days.
Syria War Live: Damascus Declared “Liberated”: Syrian rebels have swiftly entered Damascus with minimal resistance, declaring the capital “liberated.”
Bashar al-Assad’s Disappearance: Assad has not been seen or heard from publicly since the rebels’ advance, leading to speculation that he has fled the city.
End of Assad’s Rule: His potential departure marks the end of over 50 years of autocratic Assad family rule in Syria.
Rebel Control of Key Locations: Rebels now control vital positions in Damascus, including the presidential palace and Saydnaya Military Prison.
Government’s Position: Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali expresses willingness to cooperate with any new leadership chosen by the people.
Search for Assad: Rebels are actively searching for Assad, questioning military officers and intelligence officials for information on his whereabouts.
Global Shock: The speed of the rebel advance has caught the world off guard, signaling a dramatic shift in Syria’s power dynamics.
Impact on Iran: The fall of Assad is seen as a major setback for Iran’s influence in the region, particularly after the collapse of groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.
Celebrations in Aleppo: As news of Assad’s retreat spread, celebrations erupted in Aleppo, signaling potential end to Assad’s regime.
U.S. Response: The U.S. is closely monitoring the situation, with President Biden in regular contact with regional partners.
A New Chapter for Syria: The sudden change marks a significant moment in Syria’s ongoing conflict and could signal a new chapter in the country’s history.
Syria War Live: A video surfaced on Sunday showing Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali being escorted by rebels in Damascus. The footage shows Jalali walking with armed men before entering a black SUV, reportedly heading to the Four Seasons Hotel to meet with rebel leaders and hand over government authority.
In the video, the prime minister is heard emphasizing his goal to ensure the continued operation of public institutions, safeguard state facilities, and maintain security for all citizens during this transition. He was reportedly accompanied by the 5th Corps from Hauran, a region in southern Syria.
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Syrians shoot in the air in celebration of the arrival of opposition fighters in Damascus, Syria, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. AP/PTI(AP12_08_2024_000093B) (AP)
Syria War Live: In Pics— people gather in celebration at Aleppo
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People gather at Saadallah al-Jabiri Square as they celebrate, after Syria’s army command notified officers on Sunday that President Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year authoritarian rule has ended, a Syrian officer who was informed of the move told Reuters, following a rapid rebel offensive that took the world by surprise, in Aleppo, Syria December 8, 2024. REUTERS/Karam al-Masri (REUTERS)
Syria War Live: Speaking at the Doha Forum, Qatar’s Minister of State Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi affirmed his country’s full support for the political process under UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which calls for an end to hostilities and a political solution to the Syrian conflict.
Al-Khulaifi emphasized Qatar’s commitment to taking systematic and procedural steps that promote stability while preserving Syria’s unity and territorial integrity. He noted that the conflict is an internal struggle between the Syrian regime and its people, not between Syria and other nations, and Qatar supports any pathway that leads to a resolution.
Syria War Live: Israeli tanks have reportedly crossed the border fence into Syria for the first time since 1974, following Israel’s decision to increase its military presence in response to the ongoing rebel offensive. The move is said to be aimed at preventing Syrian forces or civilians from approaching Israeli positions, according to Maariv newspaper.
Earlier, Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli emphasized the need for Israel to establish a new defensive line based on the 1974 ceasefire line with Syria, particularly at Mount Hermon in the occupied Golan Heights. Israel seized most of the Golan Heights from Syria in 1967 and formally annexed it in 1981.
There has been no confirmation on the whereabouts of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The opposition had previously claimed that he fled the country, and Reuters cited senior army officers reporting that he boarded a plane and left for an unknown destination.
The last flight to depart from Damascus before the rebels seized the capital was an Illyushin76 aircraft, Syrian Air 9218. Flight trackers showed that its signal disappeared shortly after takeoff, as it passed over the rebel-held city of Homs.Syria War Live:
Syria War Live: The military command of the opposition forces said in a statement that “we all need to unite and cooperate to present the best image of our revolution and our people” in a historic moment.
It issued the following instructions to all overthrowing forces:
It is strictly forbidden to fire bullets into the air under any circumstances, as it causes panic among civilians and endangers the lives of the innocent.
It is forbidden to tamper with public institutions and property, as they are the rightful property of the people. It is our duty to protect and preserve them and help develop them.
It is forbidden to encroach upon or harm any private property in any form.
Syria War Live: US president-elect Donald Trump said on Sunday that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had “fled his country” after losing the backing of Russia.
“Assad is gone,” he said on his Truth Social platform. “His protector, Russia, Russia, Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, was not interested in protecting him any longer.”
Syria War Live: Israel’s military has deployed forces into the buffer zone between Israel and Syria in the occupied Golan Heights following recent events in Syria, including the entry of armed personnel. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the deployment aims to ensure the safety of Golan Heights communities and Israeli citizens, and they will continue operations as needed to preserve the buffer zone.
The Golan Heights, a strategic plateau seized by Israel from Syria in 1967 and annexed in 1981, is separated from Syria by a UN-monitored buffer zone. Despite Israel’s control, the Golan is considered occupied territory under international law, with Syria continuing to demand its return.
Syria War Live:The commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, called the recent developments in Syria “historic,” as Islamist rebels claimed control of Damascus and the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. Abdi, whose Kurdish-led forces control much of Syria’s northeast, expressed hope that these events could lead to a new era for the country.
In a statement on Telegram, Abdi stated that the collapse of Assad’s authoritarian regime presents an opportunity to build a democratic and just Syria, one that ensures the rights of all Syrians.
Syria War Live: In a video shared on social media Opposition fighters from Daraa were seen escorting Syria’s Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali out of his office and to the Four Seasons Hotel, in a move intended to symbolize the transfer of power and removal of Assad regime rule.
(Mint could not independently verify the video)
Syria War Live: Rebel fighters could be seen on the grounds of the Syrian presidential palace on Sunday. The men can be seeing firing guns in the air in celebration on the otherwise deserted entrance area.
Syria War Live: James Dorsey, a Middle East expert and fellow at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, tells Al Jazeera that the collapse of the Syrian military was inevitable.
He explained that the fragility of both the Assad regime and the military was always a matter of “when, not if.”
Dorsey pointed out that without a strong national military to defend the regime, external support from Iran or Russia could do little to prevent the eventual downfall.
He also held Assad responsible for the events, noting that by framing the war as one against “terrorists,” Assad systematically undermined any efforts to pursue a peaceful political reform process.
Additionally, Dorsey emphasized that the Syrian army was largely composed of conscripts who were poorly paid and poorly treated, which made it unsurprising that many soldiers chose to abandon the regime.
Syria War Live: Israel’s military has stated that it is not intervening in the ongoing events in Syria, according to Reuters. However, the military confirmed that it has deployed forces in a UN-monitored buffer zone and at strategic locations deemed necessary for defence in response to the unfolding situation in the neighbouring country.
Syria War Live: Syria’s prime minister, Ghazi al-Jalali, has told Al Arabiya in an interview that he has had contact with rebel commander and HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani about how to manage the current period.
The Syrian PM has said the country should hold free elections so the Syrian people can choose who they want to lead the country, Reuters has reported.
Syria War Live: Rebels were seen tearing down of posters featuring Hezbollah’s slain leaders Qassem Soleimani and Hassan Nasrallah at Iran’s embassy in Damascus.
Syria War Live: A New Dawn in Syria
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A Syrian rebel fighter mans an anti-aircraft gun near Khaled Ibn Al-Walid Mosque in the heart of the central city of Homs early on December 8, 2024, after rebel forces entered Syria’s third city overnight. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied anti-goovernment factions have pressed a lightning offensive since November 27, sweeping swathes of the country from government control, including major cities Aleppo, Hama and Homs. (Photo by Bakr ALKASEM / AFP) (AFP)
The Syrian army stated that its forces are continuing operations in the countryside of Hama, Homs, and Deraa, according to Reuters. The military also warned of a large-scale plot targeting Syria, urging citizens to stay vigilant in defending the country’s stability and sovereignty.
This statement came as the Syrian opposition declared on state television that they had seized control of Damascus and ousted President Bashar al-Assad.
The Syrian military has not yet responded to the opposition’s claims of taking Damascus or to the removal of al-Assad.
Syria War Live: The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on Sunday that President Bashar al-Assad has fled Syria, with some reports suggesting he flew to Russia following major territorial losses to a swift rebel offensive.
However, these claims have not been independently verified by AFP, adding to the uncertainty surrounding Assad’s whereabouts as his regime faces its most significant challenge in years.
There are also conflicting reports indicating that Assad may have traveled to Jordan.
Syria War Live: The past 10 days have been historic, with rebels advancing rapidly from their stronghold in northwestern Idlib, capturing Aleppo, Hama, and Homs, and now reaching Damascus, President Bashar al-Assad’s seat of power.
Syrians, in shock and disbelief, are also euphoric, particularly those who fled the country in search of safety or a better life, as the Assad government failed to improve living conditions despite declaring victory years ago.
As the humanitarian crisis worsens, with 90% of Syrians living below the poverty line, many displaced people are now gathering at the Lebanon border, hoping to return home. Those from former opposition-held areas, especially in the Damascus countryside, have been unable to return until now.
Syria War Live: Bashar al-Assad, 59, assumed power in 2000 following the death of his father, Hafez al-Assad, who had ruled Syria since 1971. Born in Damascus, he studied medicine at the University of Damascus and later trained in ophthalmology in London.
However, following the death of his older brother, Bassel, who was initially groomed to succeed their father, Bashar returned to Syria and became the heir apparent.
Assad’s presidency has been largely defined by the brutal civil war that erupted in 2011 after Syrians demanded democratic reforms.
Assad’s government responded with violent repression, leading to widespread accusations of human rights abuses, including the use of chemical weapons, the repression of Kurdish populations, and forced disappearances throughout the ongoing conflict.
Syria War Live: Joshua Landis, a Syria expert and director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma told Al Jazeera that the Syrian army essentially “melted away” in the face of the advancing rebels due to a lack of funds in Damascus and widespread exhaustion.
He pointed out that the al-Assad government was crippled by sanctions, with the US controlling most of Syria’s oil and gas resources. Additionally, Israel’s relentless strikes on Syrian forces, particularly targeting Hezbollah and Iranian militias, had further weakened the army.
Syria War Live: Democratic Congressman Brendan Boyle says the end of al-Assad’s rule must be an “opportunity for the Syrian people to decide their own future, free of repression and sectarian violence”.
HTS, the dominant armed opposition faction that led the offensive that toppled the Syrian president, is designated as a “terrorist” group by the US.
“Having worked tirelessly over the past decade as an advocate for the Free Syria movement in Congress, I am relieved to see that the butcher has fallen,” Boyle said in a social media post.
Syria War Live: The opposition has just issued their first statement to the Syrian people on state television.
“The city of Damascus is free,” announced one man, dressed in civilian attire.
“The tyrant Bashar al-Assad has been overthrown. All prisoners have been released from the Damascus prison. We urge our fighters and citizens to protect and preserve the property of the state of Syria. Long live Syria.”
Syria War Live: Jordan’s state-run news agency, Petra, quotes an unidentified government official as saying that Amman is “monitoring the fast-moving events” in Syria.
“We stress the importance of the security, stability and unity of Syria and urge our northern neighbours to reclaim the effectiveness of their institutions,” the officials said.
“Work is ongoing to strengthen the state of security and stability in the region.”
Syria War Live: “Today is the end of 54 years of the reign of Assad family in Syria. This is the only regime I knew all of my life,” Guardian quoted doctor Zaher Sahloul, a Syrian-American physician who organised medical missions into Syria, including hospitals in Aleppo that were targeted by Syrian and Russian airstrikes.
“I don’t cry often in my adult life but today I did. It has been fourteen long years of horror. This is our Berlin Wall moment,” he said.
Syria War Live: An active search is underway for Bashar al-Assad with rebels questioning Syrian military officers and intelligence officials who might have knowledge about his movements, according to a source familiar with the rebels’ operations, CNN reported
Syria War Live: The HTS chief is renewing his call for opposition fighters to be humble and gentle with people.
“Protect and guard the public institutions and property. They are owned by the Syrian people, and you are their protectors,” he says in a new statement.
Syria War Live: The fall of President Bashar al-Assad marks a defining moment in Syria’s tumultuous history.
Assad’s grip on power had endured for 14 years, even as the nation fragmented in a brutal civil war that became a battleground for both regional and international powers.
As the Associated Press notes, his downfall is a stark contrast to his early days in office in 2000, when he was seen as a potential reformer following his father’s three-decade authoritarian rule. A Western-educated ophthalmologist, the 34-year-old Assad was initially viewed as a gentle, tech-savvy leader with a passion for computers.
However, when protests erupted against his rule in March 2011, Assad quickly abandoned hopes of reform, opting instead for the violent tactics of his father’s regime to suppress dissent. What began as an uprising soon escalated into a full-blown civil war, with Assad using military force to crush opposition-held areas, aided by his allies Iran and Russia.
International human rights organizations have documented widespread torture and extrajudicial executions in government-run prisons.
The Syrian conflict has resulted in nearly half a million deaths and displaced half of the country’s pre-war population of 23 million. As the war intensified, millions of Syrians fled to neighbouring countries and beyond, seeking refuge in Europe.
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Syrian President Bashar Assad looks on at his country’s flag at the opening of the 16th ordinary session of Arab Summit in Tunis, May 22, 2004. (AP)
Syria War Live: In Pics jubilant residents of Syria
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TOPSHOT – Rebel forces shoot in the air as they celebrate in the central Syrian city of Homs early on December 8, 2024, after they entered Syria’s third city overnight. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied anti-goovernment factions have pressed a lightning offensive since November 27, sweeping swathes of the country from government control, including major cities Aleppo, Hama, Homs and the capital Damascus. (AFP)
Syria War Live: Over the 13 years of conflict, Syria has suffered over 350,000 deaths, millions of displaced citizens, and widespread devastation. Here are some of the pivotal moments:
March 2011: Peaceful protests erupt in Damascus and Daraa, met with a violent crackdown by the Assad regime, sparking an armed uprising.
July 2012: The Battle of Aleppo intensifies, with opposition forces seizing significant parts of the city. Syrian forces retake it four years later.
August 2013: A chemical weapons attack in Eastern Ghouta kills hundreds, prompting global condemnation and Syria’s agreement to dismantle its chemical stockpile.
June 2014: ISIL declares a caliphate across Syria and Iraq, capturing vast territories, with Raqqa serving as its de facto capital until 2019.
September 2015: Russia intervenes militarily to support Assad, with air strikes tipping the balance in favor of government forces.
April 2017: The US launches missile strikes on Syrian government targets in retaliation for a chemical attack in Khan Sheikoun, marking their first direct military engagement with Assad’s forces.
November 2024: After years of stagnation, armed groups from Idlib launched a major operation, reigniting the conflict.
Syria War Live: Syrian rebels enter the precinct of the Presidential Palace in Damascus
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Syrian Islamist-led rebel fighters pray in a mosque in the central city of Homs early on December 8, 2024, after entering Syria’s third city overnight. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied anti-goovernment factions have pressed a lightning offensive since November 27, sweeping swathes of the country from government control, including major cities Aleppo, Hama, Homs and the capital Damascus. (Photo by Aref TAMMAWI / AFP) (AFP)
Syria War Live: Syrians toppled over another statue of Syria’s late president Hafez al-Assad as rebel fighters arrived in Damascus on Sunday Hafez al-Assad.
This comes after President Bashar al-Assad fled Damascus ending more than five decades of his family’s rule over the country
Syria War Live: The Civil Defence rescue service, which is known as the White Helmets and is active in opposition-controlled areas, says it will now provide services throughout the country.
“Our crews will reach to every city in Syria to plant peace and hope,” the service said in a statement.
Syria War Live: A US official told CNN that the unfolding events in Syria signal the collapse of “Iran’s artifice” in the Middle East. The potential downfall of the Iran-backed Assad regime follows the significant weakening of Tehran’s key proxies, Hezbollah and Hamas, in recent conflicts with Israel over the past 14 months.
President Joe Biden and his administration are “closely monitoring” the situation, with National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett confirming that the US is maintaining constant communication with regional partners.
Syria War Live: Syria’s government now has control of only three of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Latakia and Tartus.
Syria War Live: Here’s the latest update —
Syria’s armed opposition has announced the capture of the capital, Damascus, declaring it “free of the tyrant Bashar al-Assad.” Rebel forces claim that Assad, who ruled for 24 years, has fled the country, triggering celebrations across Damascus and Aleppo.
Abu Mohammed al-Julani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), stated that opposition forces in Damascus are prohibited from seizing public institutions, which will remain under the supervision of the former prime minister until an official handover takes place. Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, who remains in Damascus, affirmed his commitment to ensuring the smooth functioning of public services.
Earlier, the opposition reported that its fighters had taken control of Homs, Syria’s third-largest city and a significant symbol in the revolution against Assad’s regime.
Syria War Live: The Syrian opposition reports progress in the western countryside of Deir ez-Zor, with their Administration of Military Affairs confirming ongoing advances in the area.
Deir ez-Zor is currently under the control of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which are predominantly Kurdish, after Syrian government troops withdrew earlier this week. The region, located in eastern Syria, also hosts around 900 US military personnel. The Euphrates River serves as the de facto boundary of SDF-controlled territory.
It remains uncertain whether opposition forces will push for control of the city or expand eastward across the river, which could potentially lead to direct conflict with US forces and their allies.
Syria War Live: Syria’s White Helmets civil defence forces has released a statement about the extraordinary events of the past few days.
“The sun of freedom rises on the Syrians… the moment that has been long awaited for years… even decades… Syria, the homeland, is writing history today,” the group said in a video statement posted on X.
Syria War Live: Reports emerged that Syrians in Germany celebrated the rebels’ takeover of Damascus in northern Syria. These Syrians in Germany had applied for asylum claiming persecution by former President Bashar-al- Assad.
Syria War Live: Reminder of Iraq after Saddam Hussein was captured, Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh, the Rajapaskha clan fled Sri Lanka, profoundly symbolic moment was witnessed for Syria: the toppling of Assad’s statue in Homs after the rebels took control, facing little resistance.
Homs is regarded as the capital of the Syrian revolution that began in 2011 and suffered one of the most brutal crackdowns
Syria War Live: Syria looks to ‘deepen ties’ with friendly countries, says Opposition leaders
While it remains unclear who will rule Syria after al-Assad, the opposition has released a statement outlining its vision for the country’s future foreign policy.
“The liberated Syria looks to deepen ties with all the brotherly and friendly nations on the basis of mutual respect and interests,” it said. “We will aim to play a constructive role in the region and the world to achieve security and stability.”
Syria War Live: The White House has released a brief statement on the fall of al-Assad.
“President Biden and his team are closely monitoring the extraordinary events in Syria and staying in constant touch with regional partners,” it said.