The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government marks a seismic shift in Syria’s history, ending over five decades of Assad family rule and plunging the nation into a new phase of uncertainty. While some celebrate this as a step toward liberation, others fear the rise of extremist groups and escalating regional tensions. From Israeli airstrikes to political transitions and renewed conflicts, the aftermath of Assad’s departure has set the stage for significant challenges in Syria’s future.
Massive Israeli Airstrikes Across Syria
In the wake of the Assad government’s collapse, Israel has carried out over 300 airstrikes targeting military assets left behind by the Syrian military. These strikes have destroyed the Syrian Naval fleet in Latakia, key army bases, and dozens of helicopters and jets from the Syrian Air Force.
The attacks have drawn widespread condemnation from the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Türkiye, and regional resistance groups. However, the US and UK expressed support for Israel’s actions.
HTS Rebel Group Prepares to Lead
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly the al-Qaeda-affiliated Jabhat al-Nusra, emerged as the leading force in Syria’s post-Assad era. Responsible for capturing Damascus, the group claims to have moderated its stance and vows to protect religious and ethnic minorities. HTS political leader Mohammed al-Bashir has been appointed to head a transitional government.
Clashes Erupt in Northern Syria
Northern Syria has become a battlefield between Kurdish forces and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, aiming to assert control over the region, launched an offensive against Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, heavily armed by the United States. This conflict underscores the enduring instability even after Assad’s departure.
Reconsidering HTS Terrorist Designation
The US and UK are reportedly reconsidering the terrorist designation of HTS and its leader Mohammad al-Jolani. Once a key figure in al-Qaeda’s Iraq affiliate and later a commander in Syria, Jolani’s forces were implicated in sectarian massacres. Despite a $10 million bounty still technically in place, Western nations are reassessing his status in light of HTS’s role in Syria’s transition.
Assad Flees to Moscow
Bashar al-Assad has fled to Russia, bringing an end to the Assad family’s 53-year rule. The Syrian civil war resulted in an estimated 400,000-600,000 deaths, including 120,000 Syrian Arab Army members. Public outrage surfaced as Syrians looted Assad’s luxurious residence, symbolizing years of discontent under his regime.
Prison Releases Raise Concerns
Thousands of prisoners have been released following Assad’s fall. While many families celebrated reunions, others voiced concerns that extremist elements might be among the released. Stories of torture and arbitrary arrests under the Assad regime have begun to emerge from former detainees.
US and Israeli Responses
Israel and the US have taken credit for paving the way for Assad’s downfall. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the moment as a “historic day for the Middle East,” claiming Israeli military actions weakened Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia. Simultaneously, President Joe Biden emphasized the role of US aid to Israel and Ukraine in destabilizing Assad’s allies.
Israeli Ground Forces Advance
Citing the collapse of the 1974 peace agreement with Syria, Israel expanded its illegal presence beyond the Golan Heights. Reports indicate Israeli forces advanced to Qatana, a mere 15 miles from Damascus, although Israel denies this. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for extending Israeli borders to Damascus, in line with the controversial “Greater Israel” ideology.
Refugees Face Deportation
European countries, including Austria, Britain, and Germany, announced plans to halt Syrian asylum claims, citing the end of Assad’s regime. Austria and Türkiye are preparing to deport Syrian refugees, with Türkiye facilitating repatriation for its 3 million Syrian refugees.
A New Syria, a New Reality
The fall of Assad’s government has brought significant changes, but peace remains elusive. From renewed violence in the north to contentious international responses, Syria’s future hangs in the balance, grappling with the challenges of transition and reconstruction.
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