Syrian Opposition Takes Control of Damascus: A Historic Shift
In a surprising turn of events, the Syrian opposition has successfully taken control of Damascus, marking the end of 53 years of Assad family rule. This unexpected shift occurred after President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia on December 8, leaving behind many of his aides, who sought refuge in neighboring countries. The lightning attack by an alliance of opposition factions caught the ruling clique off guard, leading to a rapid change in the political landscape of Syria.
Assad's escape was facilitated via the Russian Hmeimim military base, where he was accompanied by a select few, including his closest aide, Mansour Azzam, and economic adviser, Yassar Ibrahim. Notably, Assad did not inform his younger brother, Maher al-Assad, who commands the Fourth Division responsible for protecting Damascus. Maher fled to Iraq before making his way to Russia, leaving his troops behind. This sudden departure has raised questions about the stability of the Assad regime and the future of Syria.
High-Profile Fleeing and International Arrest Warrants
The fallout from Assad's escape has led to a wave of high-profile figures seeking refuge. Major General Ali Mamlouk, a key security official, also fled to Russia via Iraq, while others, including Buthaina Shaaban, a former translator for Hafez al-Assad, escaped to Lebanon before heading to Abu Dhabi. The Lebanese judiciary has received requests for the arrest of several individuals linked to the Assad regime, including Jamil al-Hassan, former director of Syrian Air Force Intelligence, who is accused of war crimes and genocide.
Reports indicate that many officials are now hiding in Alawite areas of Syria, while some, like businessman Ihab Makhlouf, faced dire consequences during their attempts to flee. The situation remains fluid, with many former regime members scrambling to secure their safety amidst the changing political dynamics in Syria.
