In a stunning turn of events, Syrians woke up on Monday to a nation transformed. President Bashar al-Assad has reportedly resigned and sought asylum in Russia, following his government's unexpected collapse on Sunday. The abrupt end comes after a rapid offensive by militant groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), leaving the future of Syria hanging in the balance.
A Lightning Offensive ⚡Beginning on November 27, HTS spearheaded a swift and sweeping offensive from the north. Like a real-life plot twist straight out of an action movie, they advanced southward through government-held territories with unprecedented speed.
Within days, key provinces fell like dominoes. The central province of Hama was overtaken after the militants overran crucial regions in Aleppo and Idlib. Syrians watched in disbelief as the map of their country changed overnight.
The Fall of Damascus 🏛️The decisive blow came early Sunday morning. In a brief but intense battle at dawn, HTS fighters gained complete control of Homs, a strategic city just 160 kilometers north of Damascus. This move effectively severed the capital from al-Assad's coastal strongholds.
By evening, Damascus had fallen. The city that once stood as the heart of al-Assad's power was now under the control of militant forces. The nearly 14-year civil war that had ravaged the nation seemed to reach an unexpected climax.
What's Next for Syria? 🤔The sudden collapse of the government has left Syrians and the world grappling with questions. Will this mark the beginning of peace, or usher in a new chapter of uncertainty? For many young Syrians, the future is a mix of hope and anxiety.
\"It's surreal,\" says Lina, a university student in Damascus. \"We've lived through so much conflict, and now everything has changed overnight.\"
A Region on Edge 🌍The fall of al-Assad's regime not only transforms Syria but also sends ripples across the Middle East. Neighboring countries are on high alert, and the international community watches cautiously as events unfold.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Syria stands at a crossroads. The coming days will shape the destiny of a nation that has endured years of hardship, and the youth are eager to rebuild and redefine their future.
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Syrian government collapses in sudden upheaval with uncertain future
cgtn.com
