Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is believed to have been involved in a fatal plane crash under mysterious circumstances, according to reports.
The aircraft reportedly took an unexpected route before vanishing from radar, raising suspicions about its fate.
Flight tracking data indicated that a Syrian Air flight departed Damascus airport around the time rebel forces took control of the capital.
The plane initially appeared to head toward Syria’s coastal region, a known Alawite stronghold and a base of support for Assad.
However, it abruptly changed course, flying in the opposite direction for several minutes before disappearing.
While the identities of those on board have not been confirmed, local sources speculate that Assad may have been on the flight.
“The plane’s sudden maneuver and disappearance have led to widespread speculation that Assad could have been killed,” said two individuals familiar with the matter.
The incident coincides with significant turmoil in Syria, as rebels claim to have seized control of Damascus, marking a potential end to Assad’s long-standing regime.
However, no official confirmation regarding the president’s fate has been released.
Syrian rebels have reportedly taken control of the capital city, Damascus, marking a significant shift in the nation’s ongoing conflict.
President Bashar al-Assad is said to have fled the city early Sunday, with his current location unknown.
The development brings an apparent end to the Assad family’s decades-long rule after 13 years of civil war.
The fall of Damascus has struck a major blow to Assad’s key allies, Russia and Iran, whose influence in the region now faces serious challenges.
Reports suggest Iranian rebels stormed Iran’s embassy in Damascus following the city’s capture.
Meanwhile, Syria’s military leadership notified officers of Assad’s ousting but has vowed to continue operations in other key regions, including Hama, Homs, and the Deraa countryside.
Rebel sources celebrated their victory, claiming they have freed political prisoners and brought an end to the authoritarian era associated with Sednaya prison.
Large crowds gathered in central Damascus, chanting slogans for freedom and celebrating what they describe as liberation from decades of oppression.
In a public statement, the rebel coalition emphasized plans to form a transitional governing body, pledging to rebuild the nation in line with the sacrifices made by the Syrian people. “The revolution has now entered a new phase, moving from resistance to governance,” the statement read.
This dramatic turn comes amidst changing dynamics in the Middle East, including the weakening of Assad’s Hezbollah allies due to recent Israeli strikes and Russia’s distraction with the war in Ukraine.
Concurrently, Turkey-backed Syrian forces have reportedly captured 80% of the northern Manbij area, signaling further shifts in power across Syria.
