Leader of Syrian opposition announces fall of Assad’s regime

Hadi al-Bahra, head of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, announced on Sunday the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, which had ruled Syria for 24 years.

This was reported by the Al Arabiya news agency, as conveyed by Ukrinform.

"I announce to you the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. A dark chapter in Syria’s history has ended," al-Bahra stated.

According to him, the country is now under the control of the opposition. He also assured that the rebels do not intend to persecute or take revenge on all members of the previous government, with one of the new government's first steps being the reorganization of the Syrian army.

Al-Bahra further promised that government institutions would resume operations within two days and that the transfer of power would take place in cooperation with the United Nations.

In this context, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, leader of the Military Operations Administration, ordered his forces not to approach official institutions in Damascus. Al-Jolani emphasized that these institutions would remain under the prime minister’s authority until they are “officially” handed over.

Bashar al-Assad became Syria's president in June 2000, effectively inheriting power from his father, Hafez al-Assad, who had ruled the country for nearly 30 years.

During Bashar al-Assad's tenure, a civil war erupted in Syria in 2011. The dictator was saved from defeat by support from Russia and Iran. However, Assad’s allies were forced to scale back their support: Moscow – due to its war in Ukraine and Tehran – due to escalating tensions with Israel.