Syria's departing PM recounts dramatic final hours before fall of Damascus

Mohammad Al Jalali accused Bashar Al Assad of 'abandoning' the government and leaving the country in chaos

Mohammad Al Jalali In Damascus. Reuters

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Army uniforms abandoned in the streets, a president fleeing by plane, and a powerless government left behind to face the ensuing chaos: departing Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Al Jalali has recounted the dramatic final hours before Damascus fell into the hands of rebels.

The president fled to Moscow, thrusting Syria into uncharted political territory following the collapse of his 24-year rule. The rebel advance was so swift that even his allies in Moscow and Tehran were unable to prevent it.

“Everyone is convinced that Assad has abandoned the government,” Mr Jalali, a technocrat, told The National on Monday. “Assad abandoned the government, and he acted selfishly and left the country to chaos, or at least he did not think about the next day.”

As the rebels entered the capital, hundreds of Syrians poured into the streets, waving opposition flags and honking car horns. Others, wary of the unfolding events, locked themselves indoors, awaiting clarity on what lay ahead. By nightfall on Sunday, the atmosphere was one of cautious quiet as a curfew imposed by the rebel forces took effect.

The lightning offensive by the rebels was surprising, but the collapse of the army was even more shocking. The National's correspondents in Damascus observed military uniforms abandoned in some streets, while checkpoints stood deserted. Along the road from Beirut to Damascus, remnants of a fleeing army told their own story. Empty tanks bore witness to a hasty retreat.

A destroyed Syrian army helicopter at an airbase outside Damascus. AFP

Mr Jalali explained that in the final hours before the rebels entered Damascus, there was a “major morale collapse” within the ranks of the army. “The Syrian forces did not want to fight against their brothers, especially since they no longer have conviction in the battle in light of their difficult living conditions,” he added.

“Most of the Syrian army soldiers gave up their weapons and left for their homes, and there was a state of mass desertion. The restructuring of the army is left to the next administration,” said the Prime Minister.

Mr Jalali, a technocrat, emerged as a pivotal figure as rebel forces took control of Damascus in the early hours of Sunday. In a video posted on his Facebook page, he said he remained in his home and was ready to support the continuity of governance and co-operate with any leadership chosen by the Syrian people.

Despite the chaotic situation, the departing Prime Minister said a decision was made for ministers to go to their offices and continue working, as the government received guarantees that official institutions would not be attacked. “The ministers are present at their work, running their ministries, and are ready to provide what the current situation requires,” he told The National.

“We are transferring government powers, and no conditions have been imposed on us. We are working to continue providing state services,” said the Prime Minister.

“Our powers are to handle business, and we are not a full government. The files of politics, defence, and others, even before [the fall of Damascus], were not in the hands of the government anyway.” He added that the government has food stocks sufficient for a few months.

Video shows rebels escorting out Syrian prime minister from his home

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On Monday, a former minister in the Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham-linked opposition forces was tasked with forming a transitional government in Damascus, two Syrian opposition officials confirmed to The National.

Mohammed Al-Bashir, formerly the development minister in the HTS-linked Salvation Government that opposed Mr Assad, has been entrusted with forming a transitional government to guide Syria towards new leadership and eventually elections – marking the country’s most significant political shake-up in decades. “We are ready for any scenario with the opposition,” said Mr. Jalali, promising a smooth transition of power.