Islamist rebels capture Damascus, forcing Assad to flee and ending Baath Party rule

Islamist-led rebels captured Damascus on December 8, 2024, forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee and ending over 50 years of Baath Party rule. Celebrations erupted in the city as the rebels declared it liberated. The offensive began on November 27, 2024, with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group leading the charge. This shift alters regional power dynamics, particularly affecting Iran's influence and its connections to Hezbollah. The future of Syria is uncertain, with concerns about a power vacuum and potential civil war among various rebel factions. The lack of a unified leadership raises questions about governance and stability in the country.