- Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) captured Aleppo, Homs, and Damascus, bringing an end to Bashar al-Assad’s oppressive regime in a decisive 11-day offensive.
- Guided by faith in Allah, the Mujahideen vow to rebuild Syria on the principles of the Qur’an and Sunnah, prioritizing justice and unity.
In a historic turn of events, the Syrian civil war has reached a decisive end as Bashar al-Assad’s oppressive regime crumbles under the weight of a powerful and coordinated offensive by opposition forces. After more than a decade of civil war, marked by relentless oppression and unimaginable suffering, the Syrian people, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have successfully reclaimed their nation. This is not merely a military victory but a moment of liberation resonating deeply with the global Muslim community, symbolizing the triumph of justice over tyranny.
The liberation campaign began with a surprise offensive in Aleppo, a city that has long symbolized the resilience of the Syrian people. Once a thriving economic hub, Aleppo became a focal point of devastation during the civil war. Assad’s forces, backed by Russian airpower, subjected the city to relentless bombings, destroying its infrastructure and displacing hundreds of thousands.
On November 27, 2024, HTS fighters launched a meticulously planned assault on Aleppo. Utilizing guerrilla tactics and local support, they quickly overwhelmed regime forces, capturing critical areas within days. The fall of Aleppo was a strategic and symbolic victory, breaking Assad’s northern defenses and galvanizing opposition forces across Syria.
Following their success in Aleppo, the Mujahideen turned their attention to Homs, often referred to as the “Capital of the Revolution.” This city, which saw some of the earliest protests against Assad in 2011, has always held profound symbolic significance. For years, it endured brutal sieges and bombings, reducing entire neighborhoods to rubble.
The battle for Homs commenced on December 1, 2024, and by the following day, the Mujahideen had secured a decisive and hard-fought victory, compelling regime forces to withdraw entirely. Sustained by their recent triumph in Aleppo, HTS fighters executed a well-coordinated assault, severing key supply routes and leaving the regime with no choice but to retreat. By early December, Homs was firmly under opposition control, representing a significant and strategic milestone in the liberation campaign.
The final chapter of the campaign unfolded in Damascus, the capital city and stronghold of Assad’s regime. For years, Damascus had been heavily fortified, serving as the seat of Assad’s power and the focal point of the regime’s propaganda. However, by December 5, 2024, the Mujahideen had encircled the city, cutting off key supply lines and isolating Assad’s remaining loyalist forces.
On December 8, HTS forces launched a coordinated assault on Damascus. Urban warfare ensued as the Mujahideen systematically dismantled the regime’s defenses, targeting military installations and government buildings. By the evening of December 8, the city was fully under HTS control. Bashar al-Assad, who once claimed invincibility, fled the country under the cover of darkness, reportedly seeking asylum in Moscow. His departure marked the collapse of over five decades of Assad family rule.
From the siege of Aleppo to the capture of Damascus, the HTS offensive spanned a total of 11 days.
Bashar al-Assad’s reign over Syria, which began in 2000 following the death of his father, Hafez al-Assad, will be remembered as one of the most brutal and oppressive in modern history. The Assad family’s grip on power spanned over five decades, and during Bashar’s tenure, Syria descended into unprecedented levels of repression, violence, and human suffering.
From the onset of his rule, Bashar al-Assad governed with an iron fist. Promising reforms early in his presidency, he quickly reverted to the authoritarian methods that had defined his father’s rule. Political dissent was crushed, freedom of speech was nonexistent, and the government maintained its power through a pervasive network of surveillance and fear.
The Arab Spring of 2011 exposed the regime’s true character. What began as peaceful protests calling for democratic reforms and human rights was met with brutal crackdowns. Security forces opened fire on unarmed demonstrators, conducted mass arrests, and subjected detainees to inhumane torture. Assad’s response escalated the situation into a full-blown civil war.
Under Assad’s rule, Syria became a theater of horrifying war crimes. The regime’s forces targeted civilians indiscriminately, laying siege to cities, bombing hospitals, and attacking schools. One of the most egregious acts was the repeated use of chemical weapons against civilian populations.
The 2013 sarin gas attack on Ghouta stands out as one of the darkest moments of Assad’s rule. Over 1,400 people, including hundreds of children, were killed in a single night. Despite international condemnation, the regime continued to deploy chemical weapons in subsequent years, leaving countless victims in its wake. Barrel bombs filled with explosives, nails, and shrapnel were dropped on densely populated areas, creating a climate of terror.
Assad’s government operated an extensive network of secret prisons, where detainees were subjected to unimaginable cruelty. Reports from survivors and defectors revealed systematic torture, sexual violence, and summary executions. Human rights organizations estimate that tens of thousands of Syrians died in detention, while countless others remain unaccounted for.
Photographs smuggled out of Syria by a defector, known by the codename “Caesar,” documented the torture and death of over 11,000 detainees. These images shocked the world but also highlighted the pervasive culture of impunity within the regime.
By the time of Assad’s fall in December 2024, Syria was left in ruins. Over half a million people had been killed, and millions more were displaced, creating one of the worst refugee crises in modern history. Entire cities were reduced to rubble, and the nation’s infrastructure was decimated.
Assad’s rule was marked by an utter disregard for human life and dignity. His pursuit of power came at an unimaginable cost to Syria and its people, leaving scars that will take generations to heal. His legacy is one of terror, destruction, and treachery of his own citizens.
At the heart of Syria’s liberation lies the unwavering dedication of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). These fighters, united by their faith in Islam and their unyielding reliance on Allah, have stood as beacons of hope and resilience throughout the Syrian civil war. Their struggle was not merely a military campaign but a spiritual jihad, rooted in the belief that victory is granted by Allah alone.
Throughout the conflict, the Mujahideen drew strength from the words of Allah in the Qur’an:
“Victory is not but from Allah. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.”
(Surah Al-Imran, 3:126)
This belief sustained them in the face of overwhelming odds. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, they remained steadfast, confident that Allah would grant them victory as He had granted victory to the believers in the past.
The Mujahideen faced doubters both within Syria and beyond. Critics claimed that their fight was hopeless against a regime fortified by Russian airpower and Iranian militias. Yet, their faith in Allah never wavered. Their resilience echoes the experiences of the Muslims during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who often found themselves outnumbered in battles but never lost faith in Allah.
One of the most striking parallels can be drawn to the Battle of Badr, where the Muslims, numbering only 313, faced an army of over 1,000. Despite their disadvantage, they placed their trust in Allah, and He granted them a decisive victory. Similarly, the Mujahideen fought not with the expectation of worldly power but with the certainty that their cause was just, and their reliance on Allah would bring success.
The Qur’an reminds us of this unwavering faith:
“How many a small company has overcome a large company by permission of Allah. And Allah is with the patient.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:249)
For the Mujahideen, faith was their greatest weapon. It fueled their courage, inspired their unity, and fortified their resolve. Their belief in the justice of their cause and the certainty of Allah’s promise allowed them to persevere through unimaginable hardships. They fought not for personal gain but for the liberation of Syria and the establishment of justice according to the Qur’an and Sunnah.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also spoke of the special status of Syria in the sight of Allah. He said:
“It will turn out that you will be armed troops, one in Syria, one in the Yemen, and one in Iraq. Ibn Hawalah said: Choose for me, Messenger of Allah, if I reach that time. He replied: Go to Syria, for it is Allah’s chosen land, to which His best servants will be gathered, but if you are unwilling, go to your Yemen, and draw water from your tanks, for Allah has on my account taken special charge of Syria and its people.”
(Sunan Abi Dawood, 2483)
The Mujahideen found inspiration in this prophetic guidance, understanding their mission as part of Allah’s divine plan to protect and liberate Syria. Their reliance on Allah was evident not only in their actions but also in their prayers and their constant supplication for guidance and assistance. This spiritual foundation transformed their struggle into something far greater than a political or military endeavor—it became an act of worship, a fulfillment of their duty as Muslims to stand against oppression.
The liberation of Damascus on December 8, 2024, marks a turning point in Syria’s history. For the Syrian people and the global Muslim community, this is a day of profound significance—a day when justice triumphed over tyranny, and the oppressed reclaimed their freedom.
HTS leaders have vowed to rebuild Syria upon the foundations of the Qur’an and Sunnah, prioritizing justice, accountability, and compassion. They have emphasized their commitment to fostering unity among Syria’s diverse communities, ensuring the rights of all citizens are respected, and rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure and institutions to provide a stable and prosperous future for generations to come.
The fall of Assad’s regime and the victories in Aleppo, Homs, and Damascus represent the culmination of faith, courage, and sacrifice. This is not merely a political triumph but a spiritual one, achieved through the unyielding trust in Allah’s promise. The Mujahideen’s success stands as a beacon for the ummah, demonstrating that with patience, unity, and reliance on Allah, even the most insurmountable challenges can be overcome.
