Breaking: Syrian capital sees unexpected power shift as rebels make historic move
Syrian opposition forces enter Damascus while gaining control of strategic locations. Local residents report gunfire in city center as government troops show limited response to advancing groups
Anti-government forces started moving into Damascus with no military push-back from state forces (which is quite un-expected for such a big move). The sound of gun-fire echoed through the city-center as local people reported hearing shots but couldnt identify their source
We celebrate with the Syrian people the news of freeing our prisoners and releasing their chains and announcing the end of the era of injustice in Sednaya prison
The opposition took over the large-scale Sednaya military prison complex near Damascus where the government kept many detainees. In a quick turn of events they also got full control of Homs city after just one day of fighting — this puts Bashar al-Assadʼs two-decade-plus rule in a shaky spot
The recent events show a fast change in Syriaʼs power balance:
- Troops leaving key cities within days
- Rebels moving toward the capital
- Local youth joining street protests
- Former fighters coming back to action
- Government losing grip in rural areas
In the south-west countryside near Damascus many young people and ex-rebels used this no-authority situation to show their anti-Assad views right on the streets. The governments control seems to be getting weaker as more areas see less military presence
