By Abiola Olawale
The political turmoil engulfing Syria has reached alarming heights, with reports emerging of rebel factions unleashing armed groups and gaining control of Damascus.
This is as reports emerged suggesting that the President of Syria, Bashar al-Assad, in a surprising turn of events, has reportedly fled the country and is seeking refuge in an undisclosed location abroad.
The escape was said to have come after a significant shift in the ongoing conflict, as rebel forces have purportedly succeeded in overtaking key government strongholds scattered across the country.
According to various accounts, Assad’s departure comes in the wake of intensified military pressure from a coalition of rebel groups. These groups were said to have made notable gains in crucial regions, including the capital city of Damascus, which has long been considered a stronghold of the Assad government.
This also comes after rebel fighters claimed they captured the Syrian capital of Damascus on Sunday.
Hassan Abdul-Ghani, senior commander of the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, known as HTS, claimed the development would open a new chapter in the 13-year-long civil war that has ravaged the ancient land.
He said: “We declare the city of Damascus free from the tyrant Bashar al-Assad.
“To the displaced people around the world, Free Syria awaits you.”
