Rebels Seize Damascus, Topple Assad After 25 Years
Rebel forces have captured Damascus and ended Bashar al-Assad's 25-year rule. Syrian authorities have agreed to a nationwide ceasefire and issued an arrest warrant for the former president. This development follows 14 years of devastating civil war that reshaped the Middle East.
Rebel forces entered Syria's capital Damascus on December 8 and overthrew the Assad regime. Bashar al-Assad had held power for 25 years.
Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and SDF leader Mazloum Abdi agreed to a ceasefire across all northern and northeastern fronts. The Syrian Democratic Forces primarily consist of fighters from the Kurdish YPG militia.
This ceasefire agreement aims to stabilize Syria after 14 years of civil war. It also seeks to integrate Kurdish institutions into state structures.
The SDF controls about one-quarter of Syrian territory. This militia played a central role in fighting against IS in Syria. They have long clashed with Turkish-backed militia groups.
Syrian authorities issued an arrest warrant for former president Bashar al-Assad, according to official statements.
The regime change marks a dramatic shift in Syria's political landscape after decades of authoritarian rule. The ceasefire represents a pragmatic move by warring factions to prevent further bloodshed.