The rebels who ended the Assad family’s brutal rule in Syria began asserting control on Monday. They took up positions outside public buildings in Damascus and directed traffic in a show of their newly claimed authority.

Sham, the leading rebel force, must work to allay public fears that it will seek to replace Assadism with its own form of absolute rule.

The lightning overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad left Syrians, countries in the region and world powers nervous on Tuesday about what comes next as the rebel alliance took its first steps in a government transition.

Rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham said they took control of Deir al-Zour in eastern Syria. Israel said its extensive strikes were to prevent a future attack.