The rebel offensive, which began at the end of November, included a fast capture of the strategical cities of Aleppo and Hama. The opposition forces surrounded Damascus, amazing both the government and observers. In the wake of the collapse of government forces, Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali called for a peaceful transfer of power, declaring his willingness to cooperate with any leader elected by the nation. Additionally, the opposition announced a $10 million prize for capturing Bashar al-Assad.