Yesterday marked one of the most significant days in Syria’s recent history as the authoritarian regime of Bashar al-Assad collapsed after more than five decades in power.
The deposed president, Bashar al-Assad, fled the Syrian capital, Damascus, seeking refuge in Moscow along with his family as Islamist rebels easily took control of the city, completing their impressive offensive.
Syrians took to the streets across Syria, Cyprus, Greece, and other European countries to celebrate, chanting slogans such as “freedom” and “the end of Assad.” Meanwhile, the rebels, comprising various opposition factions, announced they were working on transitioning power to a new governing body with full executive powers.
Their leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, declared the victory as one “for the Islamic Nation” and warned: “The future is ours.”
At the same time, Western leaders, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden, welcomed the collapse of the Assad regime but acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Syria’s future.
Key developments from yesterday:
US forces announced they had carried out dozens of airstrikes on Islamic State targets in central Syria.
Bashar al-Assad was granted political asylum in Russia.
Israeli fighter jets reportedly conducted airstrikes targeting a military airport and the main research center in Damascus to prevent weapons from falling into the hands of Islamist forces.
Statues of the late president’s father were dragged through the streets of Damascus and Homs following their demolition.
WATCH: Assad family statue being destroyed as people celebrate fall of the regime pic.twitter.com/RQxP7AjEz7
— BNO News (@BNONews) December 8, 2024
Statues of Hafez al-Assad, the father of Bashar al-Assad were toppled in Syria's Latakia and Damascus.
— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) December 8, 2024
Syrians were seen celebrating and cheering as it marks the end of over 50 years of Assad leadership in Syria. pic.twitter.com/XTKnMNdkfL
Also read: Assad out, Trump back, and the map of the Middle East redrawn
