Syrian rebels capture Damascus, ousting President Assad and ending his 23-year rule, as the United States pledges support for a new era in Syria.
At a Glance
- Syrian rebel groups, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have captured Damascus and ousted President Bashar al-Assad.
- Assad has fled to Moscow, where Russia has granted him asylum.
- President Biden describes the event as a historic opportunity for Syria, pledging U.S. support for a peaceful transition.
- The U.S. aims to prevent ISIS resurgence and secure Assad’s chemical weapons while monitoring actions of rebel groups.
- Celebrations erupt in Damascus and around the world as the 13-year Syrian civil war comes to an end.
A New Chapter for Syria
In a stunning turn of events, Syrian rebel groups have successfully captured Damascus, effectively ending the 23-year rule of President Bashar al-Assad. The offensive, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group with ties to Al Qaeda, marks the conclusion of a brutal 13-year civil war that has devastated the country and displaced millions of Syrians.
As news of Assad’s fall spread, celebrations erupted not only in Damascus but also in cities from Beirut to Berlin. The dictator, known for his brutal tactics and use of chemical weapons against his own people, has reportedly fled to Moscow, where Russia has granted him asylum.
Biden says U.S. will support Syria and its neighbors after Assad dynasty collapses https://t.co/WEFQ6oJQye
— CNBC (@CNBC) December 8, 2024
Biden’s Response and U.S. Involvement
President Joe Biden addressed the nation, describing the event as a “moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria.” He pledged U.S. support for a peaceful transition to a new sovereign government and emphasized the importance of delivering aid to those affected by years of conflict.
“At long last, the Assad regime has fallen. This regime brutalized, tortured, and killed literally hundreds of thousands of innocent Syrians. A fall of the regime is a fundamental act of justice.” – Biden
The President also revealed ongoing U.S. military actions against ISIS remnants in Syria, vowing to prevent any resurgence of the terrorist group. Biden credited U.S. and allied actions for weakening Syria’s backers: Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, which ultimately contributed to Assad’s downfall.
During a White House statement on the situation in Syria, President Biden outlined the United States' approach to managing the transition period following the fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime.
Biden stated, "First, we'll support Syria's neighbors …… pic.twitter.com/QnhRssfbvZ
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) December 9, 2024
Challenges and Risks Ahead
While the fall of Assad’s regime presents an opportunity for positive change, it also comes with significant risks. The U.S. has designated Hayat Tahrir al-Sham as a terrorist organization, and there are concerns about the group’s potential influence in post-Assad Syria. Biden urged opposition groups to commit to governance, rule of law, and minority protection.
“The United States will do whatever we can to support them, including through humanitarian relief, to help restore Syria after more than a decade of war.” – Biden
The U.S. is taking measures to secure Assad’s chemical weapons and has pledged to hold the former regime accountable for past atrocities. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed support for a peaceful transition of power through an inclusive Syrian-led process.
Regional Implications and International Response
The situation in Syria adds to regional tensions, including Israel’s conflict with Hamas and a fragile ceasefire with Hezbollah. President-elect Donald Trump linked the Syrian upheaval to Russia’s war in Ukraine, suggesting Assad’s ouster could aid in ending the conflict there.
As the world watches Syria’s transition unfold, the U.S. has pledged to send senior officials to the region to protect American personnel and engage with Syrian groups for a transition to an independent Syria. The international community remains cautiously optimistic about Syria’s future, while acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead in rebuilding a nation torn apart by over a decade of conflict.
Sources:
- Biden Pledges US Support for Syria, Its Neighbors After Collapse of Assad Regime
- Biden praises regime change in Syria after rebels capture Damascus
- Assad’s fall in Syria is a ‘fundamental act of justice,’ but also ‘a moment of risk,’ Biden says
- Biden calls Assad’s fall “moment of historic opportunity”
