Syrian Army Briefs Officers on Potential Regime Change – Reuters

According to Reuters, the Syrian Army has reportedly informed its officers of an impending regime change, fueling speculation about the nation’s political future amid ongoing unrest.

On Sunday, the Syrian Army command declared that President Bashar Assad’s 24-year reign has concluded. This announcement was reported to Reuters by a Syrian officer and comes in the wake of a swift advance by jihadist forces into the capital.

According to two anti-government sources, the jihadists assert that Damascus is “now free of Assad” and are anticipated to deliver their first public statement through state television, as reported by Reuters.

In light of the political uncertainty, Prime Minister Mohammad al-Jalali expressed his readiness “to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the people,” according to Al Jazeera. He further mentioned that he is staying home and favors supporting governmental continuity.

Ahmed Al-Sharaa, a leading commander of the jihadist organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has mandated that all militant forces in Damascus refrain from nearing public institutions or discharging firearms into the air. He further stated that government institutions would continue to be overseen by the “former prime minister” until their official handover to new authorities is completed.

During the weekend, HTS fighters and other anti-government militias entered Damascus, effectively seizing control of the capital. According to flight tracking websites, Assad’s plane has departed from the city.