Syrian Rebels Declare Victory in Damascus, Announce General Amnesty

In a major development, Syrian rebel forces have taken control of the capital, Damascus, marking what they describe as the end of the long-standing rule of President Bashar al-Assad. The announcement was made by Abu Muhammad al-Julani, the leader of Tahrir al-Sham, on state television.

Key Announcements:

1. General Amnesty:
   • Rebels declared a general amnesty for all prisoners and released them from detention centers.
   • The move is seen as a gesture to foster unity and reconciliation in a post-Assad Syria.
2. Assurances to Citizens:
   • Abu Muhammad al-Julani pledged to uphold the sovereignty and integrity of a free Syria.
   • Public and private properties, as well as national installations, would be safeguarded.
3. Directive to Public and Former Soldiers:
   • Citizens and former members of the Syrian government forces were advised to avoid state institutions to ensure public safety and order.

Celebrations in Damascus:

• Scenes of Celebration:
  • Citizens gathered in Umayyad Square to celebrate the rebel victory.
  • Civilians were seen climbing atop Syrian army tanks, symbolizing the fall of the Assad regime.
• No Resistance from Syrian Army:
  • Reports indicate that the rebel forces faced no significant resistance as they entered Damascus.

Rebel Leader’s Message:

Abu Muhammad al-Julani declared the beginning of a new era for Syria, ending what he described as a “dark period” under Bashar al-Assad’s rule. The rebel leader emphasized that the group’s objective is to establish a free and unified Syria, and urged the populace to remain calm and cooperative during the transition.

Implications and Next Steps:

This development signifies a critical juncture in Syria’s decade-long conflict. While the fall of Damascus marks a symbolic and strategic victory for the rebels, the focus now shifts to:

1. Ensuring stability and governance in areas under rebel control.
2. Addressing the humanitarian and economic challenges facing the country.
3. Managing potential internal divisions within rebel factions.

The international community is likely to monitor the situation closely, especially regarding the safety of civilians and the future political trajectory of Syria.