Introduction

New flag of Syria

It appears that the Syrian government under President Bashar al-Assad has either fallen or is on the brink of collapse.

Rapid Rebel Advance

Syrian rebel forces have made significant gains, capturing major cities including Aleppo and Hama. Reports indicate that insurgents have entered Damascus, the capital city. Furthermore, the Syrian army has withdrawn from much of southern Syria, including two provincial capitals.

Assad’s Reported Departure

Multiple sources indicate that President Assad has fled Syria. The head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has stated that Assad left Damascus for an undisclosed location. Additionally, two senior Syrian army officers have reported that Assad flew out of Damascus.

Government Response

The Syrian army has reportedly notified its officers that Assad’s rule has ended. The Syrian Prime Minister, Mohammed Ghazi Jalali, has expressed his readiness to hand over functions to a transitional government.

International Assessment

U.S. officials believe that the fall of Damascus is imminent, with some suggesting that the Assad regime may lose its grip on power within days. The commander of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, Abu Mohammed al-Julani, asserts that all state institutions will remain under the supervision of al-Assad’s prime minister until they are officially handed over. A joint statement was issued earlier in the night by Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Turkey, and Russia, describing the current crisis as a “dangerous development” and calling for a political solution.

Big Issues Ahead?

The Syrian opposition has reported advancements west of Deir ez-Zor. The rebels' Administration of Military Affairs indicates that opposition forces are making progress in the western Deir ez-Zor countryside. The city is now under the control of the Kurdish-dominated, U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) following the withdrawal of government forces earlier this week. That region of eastern Syria is also home to approximately 900 U.S. troops. The Euphrates River serves as the de facto border of SDF influence. It remains unclear whether the opposition will pursue a push for the city or east of the river, which may result in direct confrontation between opposition fighters and U.S. forces along with their allies.

Conclusion

The situation continues to develop and final confirmation is pending; however, the available information strongly suggests that the Assad government has effectively fallen or is in the process of collapsing following a 14-year civil war and 50 years of Assad family rule in Syria.