Syrian president may have died in plane crash after fleeing rebels in Damascus, says report

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad may have been killed following his flight from Damascus on Sunday morning as rebel forces took control of the capital. Reports from Reuters suggest his plane disappeared under unexplained circumstances, raising questions about his fate.

Flight Data Fuels Speculations

According to Flightradar data, a Syrian government aircraft took off from Damascus around the time anti-regime forces entered the city. Initially headed toward Syria’s coastal region, a known stronghold of Assad, the plane abruptly reversed course and later vanished from radar.

The flight reportedly descended sharply from 3,650 metres to 1,070 metres before disappearing, prompting speculation that it might have been shot down over rebel-held Homs. Sources cited by Reuters acknowledged the possibility that the aircraft’s transponder was deliberately turned off but stated it was more likely the plane was downed.

Unconfirmed Reports of Assad’s Presence

Two Syrian sources told Reuters there was a “high probability” that Assad was aboard the aircraft and may have been killed. However, they cautioned that confirmation is still pending.

Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali revealed that the government lost communication with Assad and his defence minister on Saturday night. Speaking to Al-Arabiyya, he stated their whereabouts remain unknown.

Speculations Over Assad’s Plans

As the rebels advanced, there were suggestions that Assad might seek refuge in Russia or Iran. He was reportedly in Moscow shortly before the offensive began, and Iranian media published photographs of him meeting an Iranian official in Damascus. Assad has not addressed the public since the rebels launched their offensive a week ago.

The Fall of Assad’s Regime

Bashar al-Assad, who assumed power in 2000 following the death of his father Hafez al-Assad, has led Syria for over two decades. His rule has been marked by significant turmoil, particularly the civil war that followed widespread protests in 2011. The conflict has claimed over 500,000 lives, displaced millions internally, and created a refugee crisis affecting over six million people.

The removal of Assad marks the end of over 50 years of rule by his family. Hafez al-Assad governed Syria for nearly three decades before his son’s succession.

Public Celebrations and Prisoner Release

Rebel supporters and civilians celebrated Assad’s ousting in Damascus and other cities, gathering in public squares, firing celebratory gunshots, and honking car horns. Opposition forces also freed prisoners from Sednaya, a detention centre infamous for harsh conditions, proclaiming an “end to the era of tyranny.”