
Syria: Rebels Declare Victory as President Assad Flees the Country
Damascus – Syria – Syrian opposition forces have declared the country “liberated” after seizing control of the capital, Damascus. President Bashar al-Assad has reportedly fled to an undisclosed location, marking the end of more than half a century of al-Assad family rule. The stunning development comes after 13 years of devastating civil war, prompting celebrations across Syria and along its border with Lebanon, as many displaced citizens prepare to return home.
Arab states are aiming to prevent the resurgence of civil war in Syria by initiating open dialogue with all factions, Qatar’s foreign ministry said.
Majed al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s foreign affairs ministry, shared these insights following a meeting of Arab leaders in Doha to address the abrupt collapse of Assad’s regime.
“We are thankful for the very limited fighting that preceded Assad’s overthrow. It makes it easier for international actors to engage before any conflict erupts among the parties on the ground,” al-Ansari said.
He also expressed optimism about the state of Syria’s infrastructure. “We are encouraged that key institutions remain intact, with functioning policing, water, and electricity systems. This stability is vital for rebuilding efforts,” he added.
The opposition’s victory signals a turning point in Syria’s history, with international leaders and organizations reacting to the news and emphasizing the importance of stability and unity during the country’s transition. Below are statements from global stakeholders on the developments in Syria:
United Nations
Geir Pedersen, the UN envoy to Syria, stressed the need for a comprehensive and inclusive political process. “What is important is that we are able to find a situation where there is a political way out of this,” he said. “It needs to be a process that is inclusive of everyone, focusing on unity, stability, and the restoration of Syria’s sovereignty.”
China
China’s foreign ministry issued a statement expressing hope for Syria’s swift return to stability. “The Chinese government has actively assisted citizens wishing to leave Syria in a safe and orderly way,” the statement read. Beijing urged Syrian parties to ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel, noting its embassy in Syria remains operational.
Egypt
Egypt called on all parties to preserve Syria’s national institutions and emphasized its support for the country’s sovereignty and unity. The Egyptian foreign ministry said it is monitoring the situation closely.
European Union
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas hailed the end of Assad’s regime as a “positive and long-awaited development” while cautioning that rebuilding Syria will be a “long and complicated process.” She pledged the EU’s commitment to working with constructive partners in the region.
France
French President Emmanuel Macron described Assad’s fall as the end of a “barbaric state” and extended wishes for peace to the Syrian people. “I pay tribute to their courage and patience,” Macron said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
Germany
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the development “good news,” emphasizing the need for a political solution to stabilize Syria. “Bashar al-Assad oppressed his people brutally,” Scholz said. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock echoed the sentiment, stating that Assad’s departure brings “great relief” to millions of Syrians.
Iran
Tehran reiterated its support for Syria’s unity and national sovereignty, calling for the immediate cessation of military conflicts and the start of national dialogue. The Iranian foreign ministry affirmed its commitment to friendly relations with Syria while supporting international mechanisms for a political process.
Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Assad’s fall an “historic day,” crediting Israeli efforts against Hezbollah and Iran for the development. He also emphasized Israel’s resolve to prevent hostile forces from establishing themselves near its borders.
Russia
The Russian foreign ministry confirmed Assad’s resignation after negotiations but denied involvement in his departure. Russian soldiers stationed in Syria remain on high alert, though Moscow insists there is no immediate threat to its bases.
Turkey
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Syria’s government had “collapsed,” calling for opposition unity to prevent terrorist groups from exploiting the situation. Speaking at the Doha Forum in Qatar, Fidan pledged Turkey’s support for stability in Syria.
United States
The White House stated that President Joe Biden is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining contact with regional partners. President-elect Donald Trump also commented on the developments, saying Assad’s downfall was due to Russia’s diminished support amid its focus on the war in Ukraine.
Additional Reactions
Countries including Qatar, the Philippines, and Lebanon have also expressed concerns about maintaining stability and protecting their nationals. Lebanon announced increased border security measures, while Qatar emphasized the importance of preserving Syria’s national institutions.
Trump Weighs in
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said on Sunday, “Assad is gone. He has fled his country. His protector, Russia, Russia, Russia, led by (President) Vladimir Putin, was not interested in protecting him any longer,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. “There was no reason for Russia to be there in the first place,” Trump wrote. “They lost all interest in Syria because of Ukraine … a war that should never have started, and could go on forever.”
Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, added that Russia and Iran, Assad’s other main backer, “are in a weakened state right now, one because of Ukraine and a bad economy, the other because of Israel and its fighting success”.
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