Syrian Armed opposition factions announced that President Bashar al-Assad has fled the country, signaling the start of what they called a "new era" following their forces' entry into Damascus.

 

Interim leadership offers transition

 

Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali stated his readiness to hand over public institutions to any leadership chosen by the Syrian people.

 

In a video posted on Facebook, Jalali said: "We are ready to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the people and will provide them with all possible support."

 

Rapid developments

 

Residents and eyewitnesses told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that Damascus experienced a complete blackout amid heavy gunfire, much of it celebratory.

 

Videos circulating on social media showed scenes of celebrations and chants in the streets of the capital.

 

The opposition's "Military Operations Directorate" announced on Telegram: "The tyrant Bashar al-Assad has fled... We declare Damascus a free city."

 

The statement continued: "After 50 years of oppression under Baath rule and 13 years of tyranny and displacement, we announce the end of this dark chapter and the dawn of a new era for Syria."

 

The opposition also called on displaced Syrians abroad to return to a "free Syria."

 

Prisoners released and rebuilding

 

In their first televised address on state TV, opposition factions declared the fall of the Assad regime and announced the release of prisoners.

 

The opposition pledged to pursue comprehensive national reconciliation and to rebuild the state based on principles of freedom and justice.

 

Military withdrawal and entry into Damascus

 

Rami Abdulrahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, reported that Assad left Syria via Damascus International Airport before the military and security forces withdrew.

 

The opposition confirmed that the airport was evacuated under direct orders.

 

A source close to Hezbollah reported that its forces withdrew from areas around Damascus and Homs, retreating toward Lebanon and Syria's coastal region, including Latakia and Hermel in Lebanon.

 

The opposition and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights announced taking over of Sednaya Military Prison early Sunday.

 

Thousands of detainees were freed, with the opposition describing it as a "declaration of the end of an era of injustice."

 

In Homs, more than 3,500 prisoners were freed from the city’s military prison.

 

Celebrations erupted across several Syrian cities, including Hama and Daraa, where residents set fire to Assad's portraits and tore down statues of his father.

 

International Reactions

 

The White House announced that President Joe Biden is closely monitoring the events in Syria.

 

Meanwhile, UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen called for "calm and the protection of civilians."