In a monumental turn of events, Syrians both within the country and abroad experienced a day of historic significance on Sunday as the Assad regime, which had ruled Syria for over fifty years, collapsed. This marked the end of a tumultuous era and set the stage for a new chapter in Syria’s history.
The collapse came swiftly after forces led by Abu Mohammed Al-Golani, head of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), took control of Damascus on Sunday morning. This victory followed the capture of Aleppo less than two weeks ago in a rapid offensive.
Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Al-Jalali was seen being escorted by HTS forces to a meeting where he reportedly handed over power. Shortly after, anti-regime groups announced on state television that President Bashar Assad had been overthrown and all prisoners released.
Also Read: Bashar al-Assad along with his family arrives in Moscow
Assad, along with his family, has been granted asylum in Russia. Russian news agencies, citing Kremlin sources, confirmed their arrival in Moscow on humanitarian grounds. “President Assad of Syria has arrived in Moscow. Russia has granted them asylum,” the Interfax news agency quoted an unnamed source.
Regional and Global Reactions
The overthrow of Assad has elicited a range of responses from regional and international powers.
- Israel: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the Israeli military had seized a demilitarized buffer zone along the Golan Heights-Syria border. “We will not allow any hostile force to establish itself on our border,” he stated, linking the events in Syria to efforts to curb Iran and Hezbollah.
- Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia called for unity and stability in Syria. The Saudi Foreign Ministry emphasized the importance of avoiding chaos and division, affirming the Kingdom’s support for the Syrian people and their choices during this critical juncture.
- United States: The US National Security Council confirmed that President Joe Biden and his team are closely monitoring the situation in Syria. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Daniel Shapiro, speaking at the Manama Dialogue security conference in Bahrain, reiterated the US commitment to maintaining its presence in eastern Syria to prevent a resurgence of Daesh.
- United Kingdom: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the downfall of Assad, describing the developments as “unprecedented.” He expressed solidarity with the Syrian people, stating that they had suffered for too long under Assad’s “barbaric regime.”
- Turkiye: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan urged all stakeholders to act with prudence and vigilance.
A Call for Stability
Saudi Arabia and other international stakeholders underscored the urgent need to prevent Syria from descending into chaos. The Kingdom called for concerted efforts to preserve the country’s unity and ensure the cohesion of its people, while urging all parties to work together to rebuild and stabilize Syria.
The Path Ahead
As the Syrian people wake up to a new reality, the challenges of rebuilding a nation devastated by war loom large. With regional and international attention focused on Syria, the coming days will be crucial in shaping its future. The collapse of the Assad regime has opened a window of opportunity for peace and stability, but it also comes with significant risks of further division and unrest.
For now, Syrians are hopeful that this historic moment marks the beginning of a brighter and more peaceful chapter in their nation’s history.
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