In a recent statement, the former Syrian president Bashar Assad expressed his desire to remain in Syria following the capital’s capture by rebel forces. However, the situation turned grim when, amidst attacks on a Russian military base in western Syria, he was evacuated to Russia. This marked Assad’s initial public remarks following his ousting by insurgent groups just over a week prior, an event that has dramatically shifted the landscape of alliances in the region and triggered celebrations in a nation long mired in civil war.
On social media, Assad disclosed that he departed from Damascus on December 8, mere hours after rebels breached the capital. He claimed he left with the assistance of his Russian allies, heading to the Hmeimim air base located in the coastal province of Latakia, where he hoped to continue his fight. Nevertheless, following drone assaults on the base, the Russian authorities expedited his evacuation to Russia that same evening.
“At no point during these events did I consider stepping down or seeking refuge, nor was such a proposal put forth by any individual or group,” Assad asserted in an English version of his statement. He maintained that his sole option was to persist in combating what he termed a “terrorist onslaught.”
In contrast, many residents of Damascus dismissed Assad’s remarks, suggesting he had forsaken the Syrian populace long ago. One individual, Moataz al-Ahmed, commented on the futility of Assad trying to escape the consequences of his actions, particularly as children played around a fallen statue of his father, Hafez, who solidified the family’s rule over the nation.
An official representing the newly formed transitional government declared in an interview that “the Assad regime is finished with no return.” He urged Russia to reassess its role in Syria, asserting that the nation is embarking on a new chapter that aims to be welcoming to global partnerships.
Obeida Arnaout, the spokesman for the government’s political sector, emphasized the transitional leadership’s intention to foster positive relations with neighboring countries and beyond. He also challenged the classification of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a primary rebel faction with ties to al-Qaida, as a terrorist group, arguing that such a label is misleading. Notably, U.S. officials have recently engaged in direct discussions with this group.
Syria’s complex mosaic of ethnic and religious groups has historically been manipulated by Assad’s administration, leading to deep-seated conflicts. Many citizens harbor concerns about the potential rise of Sunni extremist factions in the void left by Assad’s downfall.
In addition to regional changes, the new government has initiated contact with the U.S. regarding the return of an American citizen, Travis Timmerman, who was among those released from government detention at the time of Assad’s exit. Arnaout indicated that such political dialogues are occurring at the highest levels and are designed to benefit the Syrian populace while reinforcing the new administration.
When posed with questions about the potential collaboration of the new government’s security forces with U.S. troops to target remaining Islamic State militants, Arnaout asserted that Syrian factions have already dismantled IS’s presence and that the organization no longer poses a significant threat within the country.
U.S.-backed Kurdish-led forces in northeastern Syria have played a pivotal role in the anti-IS campaign, managing detention centers for IS fighters. However, the future of the Kurdish community and their semi-autonomous region remains uncertain under the shifting dynamics of post-Assad Syria. Armed confrontations for territory have erupted between Kurdish forces and those who opposed Assad.
While affirming that the rights of Kurdish people as part of the Syrian collective will be safeguarded, Arnaout highlighted that no segment of Syria would be permitted to exist independently from the authority of Damascus. He emphasized, “The social fabric in Syria is a source of strength, not weakness. Yet, we will not tolerate any part of Syria to operate outside of our governance.”
Meanwhile, the U.N. envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, reported that he had met with the leader of HTS, Ahmed al-Sharaa, to discuss the pressing challenges and priorities confronting the Syrian populace moving forward. Pedersen has advocated for lifting international sanctions on Syria to expedite the reconstruction process.
On another note, a war monitor based in the U.K. reported that Israeli airstrikes targeted missile storage facilities on the Syrian coast early on Monday, describing these strikes as the most intense in that region since 2012. Following Assad’s dramatic decline in power, Israel has conducted a swarm of airstrikes aimed at military locations in Syria, successfully dismantling much of Assad’s military capabilities.
The Israeli military has additionally established a fortified buffer zone along the border, drawing criticism for allegedly violating a ceasefire agreement established in 1974 while being accused of taking advantage of the upheaval in Syria for territorial advantages.
