The civil war in Syria has taken a significant turn. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has fled the country, landing in Moscow where he was granted asylum. This marks the end of over five decades of Assad family rule. Opposition forces took control of Damascus early on Sunday, signaling a major shift in the conflict.
The fall of the Assad regime has sparked celebrations in towns like Bar Elias in Lebanon, located near Syria’s border. Rebels have entered the capital without any signs of military resistance, marking the most significant challenge to Assad’s rule since the civil war began in 2011.
The opposition declared that the regime has fallen, celebrating the release of political prisoners, including those detained in Sednaya prison, notorious for holding thousands of detainees. The rapid developments have led Lebanon to close most of its border crossings with Syria, while Jordan also shut down one crossing.
Key nations gathered at the Doha Summit to discuss Syria’s future. UN Special Envoy to Syria is calling for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure a peaceful political transition.
Headlines from Major Newspapers:
- Financial Times, i, Metro, and The Times report on the rebel takeover of Syria.
- The Daily Telegraph confirms that Assad has been granted asylum in Moscow.
- The Guardian highlights the speed of the rebellion, which captured Damascus just 11 days after launching an offensive.
- The Daily Express celebrates the end of Assad’s “24-year reign of terror.”
Russia’s Response:
As the opposition sets up a transitional government, Russia has called for emergency consultations with the UN Security Council. Russian officials are seeking to restart UN-backed talks for a peaceful power transition in Syria. The Syrian regime, a key ally of Russia, has allowed Moscow to maintain military bases in the country. Russia has assured there is no immediate threat to its personnel in Syria.
International Reactions:
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the end of Assad’s regime, calling it the end of a “barbaric rule.”
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised the regime’s fall, urging Syria to focus on rebuilding.
- U.S. President Joe Biden described Assad’s ousting as a “fundamental act of justice,” acknowledging the uncertainty it brings to the Middle East.
- Arab States led by Qatar are calling for inclusive political dialogue to prevent a new civil war.
US Strikes ISIS Targets:
In response to the changing dynamics in Syria, U.S. forces conducted extensive airstrikes targeting ISIS positions. B-52 bombers, F-15 fighter jets, and A-10 attack aircraft hit over 75 ISIS targets to prevent the group from regaining ground amid the power vacuum.
Final Update on Assad’s Asylum:
Russian media has confirmed that Bashar al-Assad and his family have arrived in Moscow, where they have been granted asylum.
