Syrians lightning offensive: 11 days to the fall of Damascus
Published: 03:12 PM,Dec 08,2024 | EDITED : 07:12 PM,Dec 08,2024
People gather as they celebrate after Syrian rebels announced that they have ousted Al Assad, in Damascus. — Reuters
BEIRUT: On Sunday, Syrians declared the end of President Bashar al Assad's rule, saying they have toppled him as they swept into Damascus and sent him fleeing. The rebels' rapid advance in the last days had reignited a years-long war that had begun in 2011 when Assad repressed anti-government protests but which had become largely dormant. Here is a recap of their lightning offensive:
November 27
Fighters launch a surprise attack on the Syrian army in the northern province of Aleppo, sparking clashes that kill more than 130 people in 24 hours. The attack is launched by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) — which controls much of the northwest Idlib area and slivers of neighbouring Aleppo, Hama and Latakia provinces — and its allied factions.
November 28
The offensive by HTS comes during a sensitive time for Syria and the region, with a fragile ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel taking effect in neighbouring Lebanon. Rebels also cut the highway linking Aleppo to Syria's capital Damascus.
November 29, 30
Fighters shell government-held Aleppo and enter the northern city in a blitz assault against forces of Syrian government. The rebels seize control of most of Aleppo within a day and hold more than 80 towns and villages in the north.
December 1 - 2
The war monitor's head says 'Aleppo city is out of control of Syrian regime forces' for the first time in more than a decade. The United States and its allies France, Germany and Britain call for 'de-escalation', urging for the protection of civilians and infrastructure in Syria.
December 5
The rebels captured Hama, Syria's fourth largest city, after days of fierce fighting with Assad's forces. Syrian rebel chief Abu Mohammed al Jolani says there would be 'no revenge' after Hama's seizure.
December 6
The rebels are within striking distance of Syria's Homs, known as the 'capital of the revolution'. HTS leader Jolani says the goal of the offensive was to overthrow Assad's rule, reiterating 'our right to use all available means to achieve that goal'.
December 7
The rebels take Homs, and HTS leader says: 'Damascus awaits you'. Defence ministry denies news of the army's withdrawal from around Damascus. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Syria 'is tired of war, blood and tears'.
December 8
The army and other security forces pulls out of Damascus international airport after Assad reportedly flees the country, says the Observatory. Rebels enter Damascus and declare the end of Assad rule, sending residents streaming into the streets celebrating. Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed al Jalali says he is ready to 'cooperate' with any leadership chosen by the people and for any handover process. — AFP
November 27
Fighters launch a surprise attack on the Syrian army in the northern province of Aleppo, sparking clashes that kill more than 130 people in 24 hours. The attack is launched by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) — which controls much of the northwest Idlib area and slivers of neighbouring Aleppo, Hama and Latakia provinces — and its allied factions.
November 28
The offensive by HTS comes during a sensitive time for Syria and the region, with a fragile ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel taking effect in neighbouring Lebanon. Rebels also cut the highway linking Aleppo to Syria's capital Damascus.
November 29, 30
Fighters shell government-held Aleppo and enter the northern city in a blitz assault against forces of Syrian government. The rebels seize control of most of Aleppo within a day and hold more than 80 towns and villages in the north.
December 1 - 2
The war monitor's head says 'Aleppo city is out of control of Syrian regime forces' for the first time in more than a decade. The United States and its allies France, Germany and Britain call for 'de-escalation', urging for the protection of civilians and infrastructure in Syria.
December 5
The rebels captured Hama, Syria's fourth largest city, after days of fierce fighting with Assad's forces. Syrian rebel chief Abu Mohammed al Jolani says there would be 'no revenge' after Hama's seizure.
December 6
The rebels are within striking distance of Syria's Homs, known as the 'capital of the revolution'. HTS leader Jolani says the goal of the offensive was to overthrow Assad's rule, reiterating 'our right to use all available means to achieve that goal'.
December 7
The rebels take Homs, and HTS leader says: 'Damascus awaits you'. Defence ministry denies news of the army's withdrawal from around Damascus. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Syria 'is tired of war, blood and tears'.
December 8
The army and other security forces pulls out of Damascus international airport after Assad reportedly flees the country, says the Observatory. Rebels enter Damascus and declare the end of Assad rule, sending residents streaming into the streets celebrating. Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed al Jalali says he is ready to 'cooperate' with any leadership chosen by the people and for any handover process. — AFP