Militants in Syria capture Damascus as Assad flees

Sub : IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

Syrians flooded the streets in celebration as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a militant group, seized control of Syrian capital Damascus, leading to the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, marking the end of his family’s 50-year rule.
This marks a dramatic turning point in the Syrian civil war that has lasted over 13 years.
However, the fall of the Assad regime raises significant questions about Syria’s future and the broader regional stability.

Impact on the region:

The capture of Damascus dealt a severe blow to the influence of Russia and Iran, Assad’s main international allies. Both countries had supported Assad militarily and politically throughout the conflict.
HTS militants stormed Iran’s embassy in Damascus, signalling a significant shift in regional power dynamics.
Some regional powers, including the UAE and Egypt, view Islamist militant groups like HTS as a major threat and may resist their growing influence in Syria.
The rise of HTS could lead to the imposition of Islamist rule, which may be resisted by regional powers such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.

Impact on Syria:

Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali called for free elections, allowing the Syrian people to decide their political future.
The potential for a smooth political transition remains uncertain, as multiple factions with varying interests including Islamists, U.S.-backed forces, and Russian and Turkish-backed groups are vying for influence.

Role of US in Syria:

The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a presence in eastern Syria and will take necessary steps to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State (ISIS).
HTS militants have also initiated attacks on US-backed Kurdish-led forces in northern Syria, particularly in the town of Manbij. This represents a direct challenge to US interests.

About HTS:

HTS was initially formed as an al-Qaeda affiliate known as the Nusra Front.
In 2016, its leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, severed ties with al-Qaeda, positioning the group as a more independent Islamist force.
It is designated a terrorist organization by both the United States and the United Nations.

Sednaya prison:

HTS claims to have freed prisoners from the notorious Sednaya prison, known for human rights abuses.
Sednaya Prison, nicknamed the Human Slaughterhouse, was a military prison near Damascus in Syria operated by the Syrian government.