Syrian insurgents announced early Sunday they had entered Damascus, as residents reported sounds of gunfire and explosions in the capital, marking the opposition’s first penetration of the city since 2018 and capping a stunning nationwide advance.
Opposition media broadcast footage showing a tank in a central Damascus square while celebratory crowds gathered and calls of “God is great” echoed from mosque loudspeakers. The pro-government Sham FM radio reported the evacuation of Damascus airport and suspension of all flights.
The push into Damascus follows the rebels’ capture of Homs, Syria’s third-largest city, the night before. Homs’ strategic location connects Damascus to the coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus, President Bashar Assad’s support base and home to a Russian naval facility.
Insurgents also claimed to have entered the Saydnaya military prison north of Damascus, announcing they had “liberated” prisoners. The advances come amid the rebels’ lightning offensive that began November 27, already securing Aleppo, Hama, and large portions of southern Syria.
While Syrian state media denied rumors of Assad fleeing the country, his traditional allies appear unable to offer substantial support. Russia remains focused on Ukraine, while Lebanon’s Hezbollah has been weakened by its conflict with Israel. The United Nations’ special envoy Geir Pedersen called for urgent Geneva talks to ensure an “orderly political transition.”
Damascus residents rushed to stockpile supplies as thousands attempted to flee to Lebanon, though officials closed the main Masnaa border crossing. The UN announced the withdrawal of non-critical staff as a precautionary measure.
