Syrian Rebel Leader Declares ‘Historic Victory’ at Damascus’ Umayyad Mosque
By Abdullahi Yusuf
Syria’s opposition leader hailed a “historic” victory on Sunday from the iconic Umayyad Mosque in Damascus after his group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led a swift offensive, seizing control of the capital from government forces in less than two weeks.
His speech came as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad reportedly fled to Moscow, according to Russian news agencies, sparking nationwide celebrations at the end of his decades-long rule.
“This victory, my brothers, is historic for the region,” HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, now using his real name Ahmed al-Sharaa, declared in a speech at the Umayyad Mosque, a significant religious and historical site.
He described the takeover as not only a victory for Syrians but “for the entire Islamic nation,” according to a video statement shared by rebels on Telegram.
“Today, Syria is being purified,” he said, adding that “this victory is born from the people who have languished in prison, and the mujahideen (fighters) who broke their chains.”
Al-Sharaa accused Assad’s government of turning Syria into a hub for “Iranian ambitions” and fueling sectarian divisions, referencing Assad’s allies, including Iran and the Lebanese militia Hezbollah.
Footage circulating online showed jubilant crowds chanting “Allahu Akbar (God is Greatest)” as the opposition leader entered the mosque.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which emerged from the Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda but officially severed ties in 2016, has been labeled a terrorist organization by Western governments. However, in recent years, the group has tried to reshape its image as a local power broker in Syria’s conflict.
The fall of the government marks the end of more than 13 years of brutal civil war that began with Assad’s violent crackdown on anti-government protests in 2011. The conflict claimed over half a million lives and drew in foreign powers and militant groups, leaving Syria fractured and war-torn.
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