The Fall of Assad’s Regime End of Tyranny, Start of a New Era
The Modern Story of Syria Under the Assad Family’s Rule
Syria’s modern history began with the Assad family’s rule in the 1970s, specifically in 1971 when Hafez al-Assad seized power through a military coup, marking the start of a decades-long authoritarian regime. After Hafez al-Assad’s death in 2000, his son Bashar al-Assad inherited power, launching a new era of oppression and corruption in the country.
The Beginning of the Syrian Revolution – March 15, 2011:
The Syrian revolution began in the southern city of Daraa when peaceful protests erupted in response to the arrest and torture of children who had written anti-regime slogans on school walls. These protests were influenced by the “Arab Spring” that toppled the rulers of Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya.
The Syrian regime brutally suppressed these protests, killing dozens and prompting demonstrations to spread nationwide. Protesters demanded freedom, social justice, and the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which responded with excessive violence.
Revolution Turns Into Armed Conflict – 2012:
As the crackdown intensified, the Syrian revolution transformed from peaceful protests into an armed conflict. Opposition factions like the “Free Syrian Army” emerged in July 2011, formed by defectors from the Syrian military to defend protesters and resist the regime’s oppression
By 2012, battles escalated in Damascus and Aleppo, turning Syria into a war-torn country. Regional and international powers intervened, complicating the conflict significantly.
International Intervention – 2013-2015:
In 2013, the Syrian regime declared the use of chemical weapons against civilians in Eastern Ghouta, killing thousands. This crime marked a turning point that prompted international attention. However, Russia’s and Iran’s support for the regime prevented its collapse.
Russia officially entered the war in 2015 to support Bashar al-Assad, launching intensive airstrikes against Syrian opposition forces, shifting the balance of power in favor of the regime.
The Difficult Years – 2016-2021:
This period saw massive destruction in Syria, with fierce battles in cities like Aleppo, Idlib, and rural Damascus. The siege of Aleppo in 2016 led to its fall to the regime, considered a major strategic victory for Bashar al-Assad. Eastern Ghouta also fell after brutal battles and a devastating siege.
Despite the suffering and destruction, the Syrian people continued to resist, with the Free Syrian Army and opposition forces making persistent efforts to regain territory.
Critical Turning Points – 2022-2024:
In the final years of the conflict, the situation changed unexpectedly. Opposition factions, led by the Free Syrian Army, regained military momentum after receiving significant support from regional and international powers opposed to the Syrian regime.
In November 2024, a major battle for the liberation of Aleppo broke out, followed by decisive battles in Homs and Damascus, leading to the “Final Liberation Battle” in December 2024. After regime forces collapsed and retreated from the capital Damascus, the Free Syrian Army declared the full liberation of Syria and the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on December 8, 2024.
The Fall of the Assad Family:
The end of the conflict marked a dramatic collapse of the Assad family, which ruled Syria with an iron fist for over fifty years. Bashar al-Assad and his family fled abroad amid reports of international trials and accusations of war crimes.
Thus, a dark chapter in Syria’s history came to an end, and the country began a difficult journey toward reconstruction and building a new future based on freedom, justice, and democracy.
Syria’s story is filled with tragedies and hopes. While the country suffered massive destruction and immense human losses, the resilience and desire for freedom among the Syrian people remain an inspiration to the entire world. Syria’s liberation in December 2024 marks the beginning of a new era, as Syrians look forward to a brighter future after years of oppression and hardship.
Conclusion:
This story does not encompass the full details of the Syrian revolution, as our revolution carries emotions and sorrows that words cannot express. It lasted 13 years, 9 months, 2 weeks, and 2 days, built on the blood of our martyrs and the resilience of the Syrian people, who remain steadfast despite displacement, exile, killings, and oppression.
Time in Syria truly began in 2011, though this war set us back many years. Yet, we are here to rebuild Syria anew.
Long live a free and proud Syria.💚💚💚