Damascus: Reports indicate a twist in Syria’s escalating turmoil as news emerges of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s plane crashing during an attempt to leave the country with his family members on board. The aircraft reportedly disappeared from radar at an altitude of 500 meters before the crash occurred.Pieces thought to be from the plane have been found; however, there has been no statement from officials to confirm these reports.
Amidst increasing rebel attacks and with insurgents infiltrating the capital city of Damascus comes the news that President Assad was targeted by rebels while attempting to flee the besieged city as they allegedly brought down his aircraft.
Syria Faces Increased Control by Rebel Forces
Syria has been in conflict for more than a decade now. Is currently experiencing an escalation in violence in recent days. Rebel forces under the leadership of the group Hay’at Tahrir al Sham (HTS) have announced their dominance over cities and are now said to have taken control of the capital Damascus. Their sudden progress has led to the displacement of government troops from areas, like Aleppo and Homs, which were captured by the rebels in the week.
The rebels, in the city of Homs, made a bold statement by toppling a statue of former President Hafez al-Assad as a symbolic gesture, marking a fresh start for Syria’s future direction amidst widespread turmoil and the Syrian Army’s withdrawal or surrendering that has left civilians vulnerable and unprotected.
Assad is facing challenges as his supporters from abroad—Russia and Iran—along with Lebanon’s Hezbollah, have apparently pulled back or indicated their limitations in supplying more military aid. There are claims that certain units of the forces are also leaving the nation.
Hay’at Tahrir al Sham announces its triumph
The rebel faction HTS, under the leadership of Abu Mohammed al Jolani, has declared that they were behind the efforts to free Syria from rule and heralded a chapter under their control. Initially connected to al Qaeda before severing bonds in 2016; however, HTS is still marked as an entity by countries. Abu Mohammed al Jolani is the head of the group. Sparks controversy with his presence. Jolani was born in Damascus in 1982. His family comes from the Golan Heights area that was taken over by Israel in 1967, forcing them to escape their homeland.
HTS highlighted its objective to reconstruct Syria and liberate it from Assad’s regime in a statement issued recently. However, western countries are cautious as they perceive the organization as a group akin to Hezbollah and Hamas.
The aftermath of Assad stepping down
The ongoing happenings suggest a probable conclusion to Assad’s twenty-year rule in Syria is near at hand, as per observers discussions about the future of the nation amid a shifting power balance within its borders. The swift decline of Assad’s forces underscores the gravity of the circumstances facing Syria. Places the nation at a pivotal juncture.
After asserting dominance, in the region HTS faces doubts about Syria’s leadership and stability. The aftermath of displacement and infrastructure damage casts doubt on the path to rebuilding.
Amid this juncture, in time the global community awaits with bated breath to witness the rebels’ promise of a “fresh start” transform into a peaceful rebuilding or if chaos will persist in shaping Syria’s future.
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