On Sunday, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad left Syria following the capture of Damascus by rebel forces, as confirmed by Russia’s foreign ministry. This marks a significant turning point in the prolonged civil war that has gripped Syria since the 1970s.
Russia, a staunch ally of Assad, announced that he has chosen to resign from his position and exit the country, directing the government to ensure a peaceful transfer of power. However, the ministry did not disclose Assad’s current whereabouts, and he has not made any public statements in the past week.
Assad’s departure comes after a week of intense military action by the Islamist rebel faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other opposition groups. The offensive began with the capture of Aleppo and culminated in the takeover of Damascus on Sunday.
The rebel group has expressed its intention to collaborate with Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, who will oversee public institutions for the time being, according to The New York Times.
Prime Minister Jalali, who last communicated with Assad on Saturday, has pledged to cooperate with the new leadership and has called for free elections, as reported by Reuters.