The Syrian people have endured 14 years of brutal civil war and 24 years under the dictatorship of Bashar al-Assad, who stayed in power by torturing and killing – including with chemical weapons – any of his people who dared to oppose him. With Russia and Iran militarily supporting Assad’s heinous regime, more than 600,000 people have been killed since the start of the civil war, half of the population has been displaced, and a generation of Syrians have known only war.

The people of Syria deserve the opportunity to chart their own future after more than 50 years of authoritarian rule by the Assad family. It is critical that all parties to this conflict refrain from further violence, especially against civilians, and work to rebuild a free and stable Syria. We have taken note of rebel leaders’ statements to reassure the population, particularly minorities and those living in formerly regime-held areas, but as they take on greater responsibility, they must take meaningful action to preserve institutions, to protect the human rights of all Syrians, and to abide by international law.

The United States has long been the leading provider of humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people, providing food, medical supplies and shelter for millions of people across Syria as well as supporting local organizations working to strengthen Syria's economy, governance, and essential services in non-Assad regime areas. USAID has closely coordinated with our partners amid developments in recent days, and we will remain steadfast in our support of the Syrian people.

As opposition forces entered Damascus, residents were chanting “Freedom.” And that is what the Syrian people deserve. A future where the people are free from the horrors of civil war, free from oppression, and free to choose their leadership.