Damascus (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime collapsed as state television announced the end of his power and the country’s prime minister vowed to cooperate with rebels.
Syrian rebels declared on state television on 08 Dec 2024 that they have expelled President Bashar al-Assad, ending a 50-year family dynasty in an offensive that grew fears of a new wave of instability in the Middle East seized by war. As reported by Reuters, Syria’s army command informed officers that Assad’s regime had concluded.
How did Syrian rebels announce the liberation of Damascus?
Rebel fighters announced the Syrian capital of Damascus was “liberated” in a televised statement held on state television.
Damascus has been liberated, and the tyrant Bashar al-Assad has been overthrown, and oppressed prisoners in regime prisons have been released,
a spokesperson expressed.
We ask people and fighters to shield all property in Free Syria…long live Syria free for all Syrians of all sects,
he said.
What role will Prime Minister Jalali play in the transition?
Scenes of celebration have been noted in multiple locations. Syria’s prime minister stated in a recorded message that the administration stands ready “to cooperate with any leadership the people choose.” He was caught in a video being escorted by rebels. Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali expressed that the country should have free elections so Syrians can select who they want.
Jalali also stated he had been in touch with rebel commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani to discuss handling the current transitional period, marking a significant development in efforts to shape Syria’s political future.
How is the U.S. responding to Assad’s overthrow?
US President-elect Donald Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social:
Assad is gone. He has fled his country. His protector, Russia, Russia, Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, was not interested in protecting him any longer.
There was no reason for Russia to be there in the first place,
he said, adding
They lost all interest in Syria because of Ukraine. Russia and Iran are in a weakened state right now, one because of Ukraine and a bad economy, the other because of Israel and its fighting success,
Trump said. “There should be an immediate ceasefire and negotiations should begin,” he wrote without specifying which conflict he was referring to.
What measures is the IDF taking in the buffer zone?
On the other hand, Israel’s military has positioned forces in the buffer zone between Israel and Syria in the settled Golan Heights.
Following the recent events in Syria, including the entry of armed personnel into the buffer zone, the IDF has deployed forces in the buffer zone and in several other places necessary for its defence, to ensure the safety of the communities of the Golan Heights and the citizens of Israel,
the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated.
The military stated it would continue to work as long as necessary in the area “to preserve the buffer zone and support Israel and its civilians.”
We stress that the IDF is not interfering with the internal events in Syria,
the statement said.
