- Syrian rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), launched a swift offensive that toppled Bashar al-Assad’s regime, ending over 50 years of Assad family rule, with Damascus liberated in days.
- Internet connectivity in Syria remains unstable, with significant disruptions in rebel-held areas like Hama and Homs, while the capital Damascus experiences limited service. Assad, now deposed, fled to Moscow, where he was granted asylum.
What happened: Syrian rebels topple Assad as internet disruptions continue
Recent developments in Syria have culminated in a significant shift of power. Syrian rebels have effectively toppled Bashar al-Assad’s regime through a rapid and surprising offensive, marking the end of Assad’s rule, which has lasted over fifty years. This swift change in governance occurred while global attention remained fragmented due to ongoing crises in Ukraine and Gaza, with Assad’s longtime allies, Russia and Iran, noticeably reducing their support.
Internet connectivity in Syria, as reported by NetBlocks, remains sporadic with regions like Damascus maintaining some service stability, while cities such as Hama and Homs, recently seized by rebel forces, face severe disruptions. This comes after a protracted civil war, during which internet outages were frequently used by the Assad regime as a tactic to suppress dissent. The fall of Assad, who has since fled to Moscow and received asylum, mirrors the plight of deposed Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, marking an ironic end to Assad’s defiant stance from 2014 against leaving Syria under similar circumstances.
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Why it is important
The fall of Bashar al-Assad‘s regime in Syria is a pivotal moment for both the country and the broader Middle East. After over a decade of brutal civil war, the sudden collapse of Assad’s forces in just weeks by rebel groups, particularly Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), ends more than 50 years of Assad family rule. This shift also weakens the influence of Russia and Iran, who had supported Assad’s regime, and could lead to significant changes in regional power dynamics.
For Syrians, the collapse signals both hope and uncertainty. While Assad’s regime used internet blackouts and other tactics to control dissent, the country now faces a future of rebuilding, possibly with more freedom, but also greater instability. The continued internet disruptions, particularly in rebel-held cities like Hama and Homs, underscore the challenges of restoring communication and normalcy.
This development also represents a symbolic defeat for entrenched dictatorships in the region, sending a strong message about the fragility of authoritarian rule.
