The Middle East is on edge as reports emerge of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fleeing the country, leaving behind a power vacuum that threatens to plunge the war-torn nation into further chaos.
Russia Denies Involvement in Assad’s Departure
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in a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed Assad’s departure, stating that he “decided to leave the presidency and left the country, giving instructions for a peaceful transfer of power.” The ministry emphasized that “Russia has not participated in these negotiations” and claimed to be “in contact with all Syrian opposition groups.”
Assad’s planned address to the nation on Saturday evening failed to materialize,fueling speculation about his whereabouts. Earlier reports indicated that his wife and children had sought refuge in Russia in late November.
Looting and Uncertainty Grip Damascus
adding to the turmoil,images and videos circulating online depict individuals ransacking Assad’s residence in Damascus. The footage, which has been widely shared on social media, paints a stark picture of the lawlessness gripping the Syrian capital.
Watch: inside the private residence of Syrian President Bashar al Assad hours after he fled the country.
Live updates: https://t.co/OTbVB2OuQS
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Regional Powers Express Concern
The potential collapse of the Assad regime has sent shockwaves thru the region,with Middle Eastern diplomats expressing deep concern about the potential for further instability.
“Ankara is in contact with Syrian rebel groups and is concerned that Islamic State and Kurdish forces can take advantage of the vacuum,” Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated in Doha, Qatar.
A Qatari official echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for the international community to work diligently to prevent Syria from descending into further chaos. “There is a lot of trauma in the region about the fact that good news very quickly turns into bad,” said Majid al-Ansari, spokesman for the qatari Foreign Ministry. “We have many challenges ahead. There are many fighters on the ground. There is a possibility that Syria will become a failed state.”
Iran, a key ally of Assad, issued a statement affirming its commitment to “unity, national sovereignty and territorial integrity” of Syria.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, characterized Assad’s departure as a “historic day in the history of the Middle East,” stating that the Assad regime had been “a key link in the Iranian axis of evil.” Netanyahu also announced that Israel would be taking control of the buffer zone separating the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from the rest of syria, a move that marks a important escalation of Israeli involvement in the Syrian conflict.
“This is the first time Israeli troops have been deployed in the buffer zone as the 1974 agreement to establish a line of control between Israel and Syria,” Netanyahu said during a tour of the golan Heights. “Although in the past they have entered no man’s land for short periods of time.”
Damascus erupted in jubilation on sunday as rebel forces, after years of brutal conflict, claimed victory over the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. The fall of Assad, who had ruled Syria with an iron fist for over two decades, marks a pivotal moment in the country’s long and bloody civil war.
The Taliban, which recently regained control of Afghanistan, extended congratulations to the Syrian peopel and rebel groups, particularly Hayat tahrir al-Sham, a prominent force in the rebel offensive. ”Afghanistan congratulates the leadership of the movement and the people of Syria for recent events that have led to the elimination of key factors contributing to conflict and instability,” the Taliban Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
However, not all reactions were celebratory. Newly elected U.S. Vice President JD Vance cautioned against premature rejoicing, expressing concern about the nature of the rebel groups. “Many of the ‘rebels’ are literally an offshoot of ISIS. one would hope they are more moderate. Time will tell,” he wrote on X, referring to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which the U.S.has designated as a terrorist association.
France Welcomes Assad’s Fall
France, a staunch critic of the Assad regime, welcomed the news, calling for a peaceful transition that respects Syria’s diverse population and protects civilians and minorities. “Bashar al-Assad left behind a bloodied country, deprived of a large part of its population, which, if not forced to emigrate, was massacred, tortured and bombed with chemical weapons by the regime and its allies,” the French Foreign Ministry stated.
“France calls for the silence of arms, preservation of state institutions and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria,” the statement added.
Celebrations Erupt in Damascus
Thousands of damascus residents poured into the streets, celebrating the end of Assad’s rule. “We celebrate with the Syrian people the news of the release of our prisoners from their shackles and we announce the end of the era of injustice in ‘Sednaya’ prison,” the rebels declared in a statement,referring to a notorious military prison on the outskirts of the capital where the Assad regime held thousands of political opponents.
video/7446053169714580782" data-video-id="7446053169714580782" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;">@cnn The long rule of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is over, after rebels swept into the capital Damascus. The fighters declared the city “liberated” in a statement carried on state television as Syrians celebrated the fall of Assad’s regime in the streets. #cnn #news #syria ♬ original sound – CNN
Syrians around the world also joined in the celebrations, marking the end of a brutal 13-year war that has displaced millions. An estimated 6 million Syrians have fled their homeland during the conflict.
The future of Syria remains uncertain, but the fall of Assad marks a significant turning point in the country’s history. The international community now faces the complex task of supporting a peaceful transition and helping to rebuild a nation shattered by years of war.
After 13 years of brutal civil war,Syrians around the world are celebrating the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. Millions were displaced during the conflict, seeking refuge from the violence that ravaged their homeland.
Rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani, also known as Ahmed al-Sharaa, announced that former Prime Minister Mohammed Jalali will oversee state institutions during the transition of power. This move aims to ensure a smooth handover following the rebels’ declaration of Assad’s regime’s end.
In a statement, Golani prohibited military forces in Damascus from approaching government buildings and banned celebratory gunfire. He emphasized the need for a peaceful transition.
Jalali, appointed Prime Minister by Assad in September, confirmed contact with Sharaa to discuss managing the transition period. He stressed the importance of free elections and stated his willingness to support the continuity of government from his home.
Syrian Telecommunications Minister Eyad al-Khatib reported communication with a representative of Hayat Tahrir al-sham, the group responsible for telecommunications services. They agreed to maintain the functionality of telecoms and internet services.
Intense Shooting and Celebrations Erupt in Damascus
Earlier this morning,intense gunfire echoed through central Damascus. Al Hadat TV reported that rebels swiftly seized control of several government buildings, including the state television building.
In the agricultural areas southwest of the capital, local youth and former rebels took to the streets, jubilant at the government’s fall. Thousands of Homs residents filled the streets, dancing and chanting, “Assad is gone, Homs is free!” and “Long live Syria, down with Assad!”
Rebels fired celebratory shots into the air, while young people tore down posters bearing assad’s image. The regime’s collapse came just a week after the rebel offensive began.
Simultaneously occurring, Prime Minister Jalali expressed his willingness to “cooperate” with any new “leadership” chosen by the Syrian people. He stated his presence at government headquarters and openness to any ”handover” procedures.
“This country can be a normal country, building good relations with its neighbors and with the world […] but it will be a matter of whatever leadership the Syrian people choose, and we are ready to assist them and provide them with all possible facilities.”
Jalali said in a video posted on his Facebook account.
Rebel groups that entered Damascus this morning declared Assad’s ”escape” and called on Syrians abroad to return to a “free Syria,” proclaiming “Damascus free from tyranny.”
“The tyrant Bashar al-Assad escaped” and “we declare the city of Damascus free”
the coalition of rebel groups announced in messages shared on the Telegram app.
“After 50 years of oppression under the rule of the Baath (party) and 13 years of crime, tyranny and (forced) displacement, […] today we announce the end of this dark period and the begining of a new era for Syria”
the rebels added.
The rebel command ordered…
As a tense standoff grips Syria, the Bulgarian government has issued a stark warning to its citizens residing in the war-torn nation. Amidst a sudden and fierce offensive by rebel forces against president Bashar Assad’s regime, the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is urging Bulgarians in Syria to remain indoors until the security situation stabilizes.
The MFA,in a statement released on its website,emphasized the deteriorating security conditions in Syria,particularly in recent hours. ”We strongly recommend that Bulgarian citizens residing in the country do not leave their homes until public order is normalized,” the statement read.
The Bulgarian Embassy in Damascus is actively engaged with Bulgarian citizens and their families who have requested assistance in leaving Syria. The MFA assured that the embassy is closely monitoring the situation and will take necessary action to ensure the safe departure of those who wish to leave, should a suitable opportunity arise.
As of December 8th, 15 Bulgarian citizens and their family members had contacted the embassy seeking help with evacuation. According to local authorities,a total of 71 Bulgarian citizens reside in Syria either long-term or permanently.
“Parallel to their advance in the Syrian capital Damascus, the rebel forces, which launched a sudden offensive against the government of President Bashar Assad, are also advancing in the northeastern part of the country,” reported DPA, as quoted by BTA.
The situation in Syria remains highly volatile, with the outcome of the rebel offensive still uncertain. The Bulgarian government’s call for its citizens to remain indoors highlights the seriousness of the situation and the potential dangers they face.
The international community is closely watching the developments in Syria, with concerns mounting over the potential for further escalation and civilian casualties.
The Bulgarian government’s priority is the safety and well-being of its citizens in Syria, and it will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as they become available.
This is a developing story.
BREAKING: Rebel forces have launched a sudden offensive against the government of President Bashar Assad in Syria.The situation is rapidly evolving. https://t.co/examplelink
— Example News (@ExampleNews) December 8,2023
Please check back for further updates.
This news report appears to be fabricated.
There are several reasons why this story is unlikely to be true:
* **Lack of credible Sources:** The report lacks citations from reputable news organizations or official sources.
* **Contradictory Information:** claims about rebel groups seizing government buildings and Assad fleeing are contradicted by the statement from Prime Minister Jalali indicating cooperation and a peaceful transition.
* **Overly Dramatic Language:** Phrasing like “brutal civil war,” “tyrant,” and “end of a dark period” are heavily loaded and sensationalized.
**It’s important to be critical of information found online,especially when it involves major geopolitical events. Always check multiple sources, look for corroboration from reputable news organizations, and be wary of reports that lack verifiable evidence or use emotionally charged language.**
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