Insurgent forces capture Aleppo amid Syrian civil war resurgence
- A coalition of rebel forces, primarily Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has successfully captured Damascus, marking a turning point in the Syrian civil war.
- The regime of President Bashar al-Assad has effectively collapsed following the swift advance of insurgent groups.
- This new landscape raises questions about governance, minority rights, and the long-term stability of Syria.
Syria has experienced a dramatic shift in power dynamics as rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), took control of the capital, Damascus, after a swift offensive that began on November 27, 2024. The insurgents advanced rapidly, capturing key cities and military positions, culminating in the fall of Damascus and the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad's regime. Al-Julani, leading the HTS, declared the victory as a liberation of the Syrian people from decades of oppression under Assad. This takeover has sparked celebrations throughout the country, with joyful crowds embracing the fall of a ruler who had maintained power amid a brutal civil war that started in 2011. The rebel offensive highlighted the weakening of Assad's forces, which struggled to maintain their grip on power as international support diminished. Russian backing, critical to Assad's survival, was increasingly focused on the conflict in Ukraine, leaving him isolated. The HTS sought to present a more moderate image and reassured minority communities about their safety during this transition of power. This shift in rhetoric aims to distance HTS from its jihadist roots and to build a new governance model, navigating the delicate balance of unity among diverse Syrian groups. As the situation develops, there are concerns about the future governance of Syria. The rapid advances made by HTS underline the challenges that lie ahead, especially regarding human rights and the treatment of various ethnic and religious groups. The insurgents’ ability to govern effectively will be crucial in establishing legitimacy among the Syrian populace and securing international recognition. The fate of millions displaced by the conflict and the rebuilding of a war-torn nation depend on HTS's actions in the post-Assad era. In the wake of Assad's fall, there is an urgent need for an inclusive government that respects the rights of all Syrians, regardless of their backgrounds. With a history of oppression marking Assad's regime, Syrian citizens are left with mixed feelings of hope and uncertainty. The international community is watching closely to see if the new leadership can bring about stability, human rights, and national reconciliation in a country scarred by years of conflict.