Syrian rebels have said they have ended Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year authoritarian rule, in the first address on state television after a lightning-fast offensive that surprised the world. Assad left Damascus early this morning for an unknown destination, two senior military officers told Reuters, while the rebels said they had entered the capital, where, they claim, there were no soldiers at all.
The Syrian military command informed officers today that Assad’s regime has ended, a Syrian officer who was previously informed about it told Reuters.
However, later the Syrian army announced that it was continuing operations against “terrorist groups” in the key cities of Hama and Homs and in Deir ez-Zor.
“We celebrate with the Syrian people the news of the liberation of our prisoners and the breaking of their chains and announce the end of the era of injustice in Sednaya prison,” the rebels said, alluding to the large military prison on the outskirts of Damascus, where the Syrian government has imprisoned thousands of people.
Thousands of people in cars, as well as those who came on foot, flooded the main square in Damascus, waving and shouting “freedom” from half a century of Assad family rule, witnesses said. People are shouting “God is great” and chanting anti-Assad slogans, and celebratory gunfire has been heard in some areas.
This is the first time opposition forces have reached Damascus since 2018, when Syrian soldiers captured areas near the capital after a year-long siege.
The pro-government Syrian Sham FM radio reported that Damascus airport was evacuated and flights were canceled. The rebels also announced that they had entered the notorious military prison in the north of the capital and that the prisoners had been released.
Syrian Prime Minister: Government ready to extend hand to opposition
Syrian Prime Minister Muhammad Gazi Jalali said the government is ready to extend a hand to the opposition and hand over power to a transitional government.
“I am in my house and I have not left and that is because I belong to this country,” Jalali said in a video statement and announced that he would go to his office to continue working in the morning, and called on Syrian citizens not to destroy public property.
He did not mention Assad’s escape.
READ MORE:
OVO JE VOĐA POBUNJENIKA U SIRIJI: Dao je prvi intervju i otkrio šta je cilj njihove borbe!
Source: N1, Photo: REUTERS/Karam al-Masri