The Overthrow of Bashar al-Assad: Detailed Timeline of Events in 2024

Rebel Offensive (November 27, 2024):

Idlib as the Starting Point: Rebel forces, mainly from "Hayat Tahrir al-Sham" (HTS), initiated their offensive from the Idlib province, where they had been fortified for years. This attack was meticulously planned, utilizing the element of surprise and coordination among different groups.

Goals of the Offensive: The primary objective was to capture key cities to undermine the morale and logistics of government forces and eventually seize the capital to overthrow the regime.

Fall of Aleppo (November 29, 2024):

Rapid Advance: Aleppo was captured with relative ease, which was unexpected for many analysts. This demonstrated how weakened the government troops had become.

Symbolic Destruction: The demolition of the statue of Basil al-Assad, Bashar's brother, among other symbolic acts, confirmed the final break from the regime's past.

Capture of Homs and Hama (December 5-7, 2024:

Homs: One of the key logistical centers, Homs was taken without significant combat, enabling the rebels to strengthen their positions and prepare for an assault on Damascus.

Hama: Became the next target; its capture solidified rebel control over the central part of the country, depriving the government of crucial communication and strategic points.

The Fall of Damascus (December 8, 2024):

Seizing the Capital: In the night from December 7 to 8, rebels entered Damascus. They captured the presidential palace, radio, and TV stations, symbolizing the fall of the regime.

Celebration and Panic: Celebrations erupted on the streets of Damascus while high-ranking officials and military personnel sought escape routes or surrendered their positions.

Release of Prisoners: One of the first actions by the rebels was to free political prisoners from Saydnaya prison, notorious for its harsh conditions.

Bashar al-Assad's Escape with His Family:

Flight to Moscow: After the capture of Damascus, Assad and his family fled the country. A plane, presumably with Assad on board, headed to Russia, where he was granted asylum.

Unconfirmed Rumors: Some sources claimed Assad’s plane might have been shot down or crashed, but these reports were not verified, and Assad was later sighted in Moscow.

Reactions and Consequences:

International Reactions: Responses were mixed. The West welcomed Assad's overthrow, while Russia and Iran, former allies of Assad, found themselves in a difficult position, forced to reassess their regional stances.

Humanitarian Situation: The events triggered the return of some refugees, but also raised concerns about the country's future without clear leadership.

Transition of Power: Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali announced readiness to hand over power to a new, popularly elected leadership, indicating attempts at a peaceful transition.

The overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in 2024 was the culmination of a prolonged conflict that exposed the vulnerabilities of the regime when the support from allies weakened and rebel movements consolidated. This event marked a turning point in the Syrian conflict, opening a new chapter in the country's history with uncertain prospects for the future.