How did the Assad regime fall so quickly?
Last Updated on December 13, 2024 10:49 am
The Assad family’s rule in Syria, which lasted more than 50 years, came to an end with stunning speed. Rebels captured several cities in just two weeks and entered the capital Damascus on Sunday. President Bashar al-Assad fled the country without any resistance.
But how did Bashar al-Assad’s rapid fall happen so quickly? That question is now on the minds of the public.
Here are the reasons for the Yugantar readers:
1. Weak army:
President Bashar al-Assad’s army was almost destroyed by the 14-year civil war. The army’s manpower, equipment and morale were severely damaged. The army has lost almost half of its manpower since 2011 due to many soldiers breaking contracts and fleeing.
2. Lack of support from allies:
Bashar al-Assad’s government was mainly dependent on two allies, Iran and Russia. But Russia is currently struggling with its own problems due to the war in Ukraine. Iran is also reeling from the ongoing conflict with Israel. This is mainly because of the weakness in Bashar’s forces, which creates opportunities for the rebels.
3. Hezbollah’s inability:
The Iranian-backed Lebanese Hezbollah was supporting Assad in the Syrian war. But due to the war with Israel, they were also forced to withdraw their troops from Syria. This further weakened Assad’s forces.
4. Rebel advances:
Rebel groups such as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched operations from Aleppo and Idlib provinces and captured city after city in just a few days. In the face of this recent advance by the rebels, the weakened Assad forces were unable to mount any significant resistance. As a result, Bashar’s fall occurred quickly.
International reaction
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described Assad’s fall in Syria as a “direct effect of the blow to Iran and Hezbollah.” US President Joe Biden has also claimed that their strategy has changed the balance of power in the Middle East.
The aftermath
Experts say that the fall of Assad could be the beginning of an end to Syria’s 14-year bloody conflict. However, the possibility of a new political vacuum and uncertainty in the country cannot be ruled out.
Source: AFP, AP and France 24