Rebels seize control of Syria
President Bashar al-Assad flees the country
Damascus (Syria) – After a prolonged internal rebellion that began on 27thNovember, the rebel group ‘Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’ seized control of Syria on 8thDecember. This development was confirmed by the Syrian military. In the aftermath, President Bashar al- Assad fled the country with his family. Reports indicate that he left aboard a plane, which later disappeared from radar, sparking speculation that it may have crashed. However, this claim remains unverified. Additionally, the location where Assad has sought refuge is still unclear. Fifty years ago, Assad’s father, Hafez al-Assad, came to power in Syria through a bloody coup.
1. With this regime change, the country’s governance could now fall into the hands of Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the leader of the rebel faction.
2. In the wake of Assad’s departure, Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali has proposed handing over power to the rebels. He stated his intention to remain in the country and collaborate with the leader chosen by the Syrian people.
3. Rebels have seized control of five major cities in Syria, including the capital, Damascus, as well as Aleppo, Hama, Homs, and Daraa. On the morning of 8thDecember, rebels entered Damascus. Citizens are celebrating the fall of Assad’s regime, gathering in large crowds across the city’s squares and chanting slogans of freedom. Rebel commanders have announced plans to release political prisoners.
US to stay out of Syrian affairs : Trump
Newly elected US President Donald Trump, in a post addressing the situation, stated, “Syria is not our friend, nor does it concern us. This is not our fight. We should stay out of it and remain distant.” He emphasised that while Assad has been an ally of Russia, the latter is currently preoccupied with the Ukraine war and is unlikely to intervene significantly. Trump added that although Russia has defended Syria for many years, leaving Syria could ultimately benefit Russia, as it has gained little in return from its involvement.
Who are the rebels ?
The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham organisation was established in 2011 as a direct affiliate of Al- Qaeda under the name Jabhat al-Nusra. It is known as a Jihadi organisation. In 2016, its leader, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, severed ties with Al-Qaeda, released hardline officials, and pledged to adopt religious tolerance to rebuild the group’s image.
The organisation’s ultimate goal is to establish a radical Islamic Government in Syria. Their objectives included removing Assad from power and forming a new Government, preferably through democratic means. They also advocate for equal rights for all citizens.