Jihadist forces claim to have seized control of Damascus following a swift offensive.
A Syrian officer told Reuters that the Syrian Army command announced on Sunday the end of President Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year rule. This follows a rapid advance by jihadist groups into the capital.
According to two anti-government sources cited by Reuters, the jihadists assert that Damascus is “now free of Assad” and are poised to issue their first public statement via state television.
In response to the unfolding political situation, Prime Minister Mohammad al-Jalali, as quoted by Al Jazeera, stated his willingness to “cooperate with any leadership chosen by the people.” He also indicated he remains at home and is inclined to support the continuation of government operations.
Ahmed Al-Sharaa, a leading commander within the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has issued directives prohibiting all militant factions in Damascus from approaching government buildings or discharging firearms. He further stated that government institutions will remain under the supervision of the “former prime minister” until officially transferred to the new authorities.
Over the weekend, HTS fighters and other anti-government groups entered and secured control of Damascus. Flight tracking data suggests that Assad’s plane has departed the city.