Damascus erupted in celebration yesterday as opposition forces ousted President Bashar al-Assad, bringing an end to five decades of autocratic rule by the Assad family. However, the dramatic turn of events has left Syria facing an uncertain future.

Assad, along with his family and close allies, fled Syria after stepping down under an agreement brokered with rebel groups. Russia’s foreign ministry confirmed that Assad had relocated to Moscow, where he has been granted political asylum.

In a statement, Russia emphasised its non-involvement in the negotiations, adding that Assad had issued instructions for a peaceful transfer of power before his departure. This marks the first time rebels have breached Damascus since 2018, a pivotal moment in the 13-year civil war that has claimed over 500,000 lives and displaced millions.

US President Joe Biden hailed the regime’s fall as a “historic opportunity” for the Syrian people to rebuild their nation but cautioned against new risks in the region. Ahmad al-Sharaa, leader of Syria’s largest insurgent group, made his first public appearance at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, declaring the event a “victory for the Islamic nation.”

Al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, accused Assad of turning Syria into a haven for Iranian exploitation and illegal drug production. He vowed to dismantle the remnants of Assad’s regime and restore Syria’s sovereignty.

Neighbouring countries, including Lebanon and Jordan, have since closed key border crossings, wary of potential instability. Meanwhile, Iran, a staunch ally of Assad’s government, called for Syrians to determine their future without external interference.

As the dust settles, regional and international stakeholders, including the United Nations, Gulf nations, and European powers, have called for urgent talks to facilitate an orderly political transition. Germany’s foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, stressed the importance of preventing extremist groups from filling the power vacuum, while France and Qatar welcomed the end of Assad’s oppressive rule.

Despite the optimism, Syria faces monumental challenges, including reconciling rival factions, rebuilding war-torn infrastructure, and addressing ongoing clashes between various armed groups in the north.