Syrians stroll through Assad's palaces
Highlights-
- Syrian army says Assad rule has ended
- Assad boards plane, leaves Damascus, say senior army officers
- Assad's destination unknown, officers say
- Rebels enter Damascus
- Thousands celebrate "Freedom" in Damascus
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad boarded a plane and left Damascus for an unknown destination on Sunday, Reuters reported, quoting two senior army officers. Meanwhile, rebel forces in Damascus have declared the capital city "free" of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad as government forces withdraw.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The conflict in Syria has been ongoing since 2011 after peaceful pro-democracy protests flared into armed warfare. Since then, more than half the pre-war population of 23 million have been forced from their homes, with millions fleeing abroad as refugees.
Who are the rebels: The rebels launched their surprise offensive on Nov. 26, attacking from areas to the north and northwest of Aleppo. They swept into the city on Nov. 29-30, forcing out government forces. The attack was initiated by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Formerly known as the Nusra Front, it was al Qaeda's official wing in the Syrian war until breaking ties in 2016. HTS, led by Abu Mohammed al-Golani, opens new tab, has long been the dominant force in the Idlib region, part of an arc of the northwest where rebels maintained a foothold despite Assad's gains elsewhere. The United States and Russia, Turkey and other states designate it a terrorist group. Another rebel alliance has launched a separate offensive from areas north of Aleppo. These rebels are backed by Turkey and organised under the banner of the Syrian National Army.
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08:45pm
Iran says only Syrians can decide on their country's fate
Syria's fate is the sole responsibility of the Syrian people and should be pursued without foreign imposition or intervention, Iran's foreign ministry said on Sunday, after Tehran's ally Bashar al-Assad was toppled by rebels.
Iran spent billions of dollars propping up Assad during the Syrian civil war that erupted in 2011 and deployed its Revolutionary Guards to Syria to keep its ally in power so as to maintain Tehran's "Axis of Resistance" to Israel and U.S. influence in the Middle East.
Following Assad's fall from power, Iran's foreign ministry called for a national dialogue to form an inclusive government representing all segments of Syrian society.
"We will spare no effort to help establish security and stability in Syria, and to this end, we will continue consultations with all influential parties, especially in the region," the foreign ministry added.
The foreign ministry said it expected ties between Tehran and Damascus to continue based on the two countries' "far-sighted and wise approach."
08:30pm
Armed group in Syria steals cars from Italy ambassador's residence: foreign minister
Italy's foreign minister said Sunday an "armed group" had entered the garden of the Italian ambassador in Damascus and stolen three cars, after Islamist rebels said they had seized the city, reports AFP.
"This morning an armed group entered the garden of the residence of Italy's ambassador... they took away three automobiles," Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told journalists following a foreign ministry crisis meeting on the Syria situation.
"They were in the garden for a little while, obviously they wanted to check if there were soldiers of Assad there... but neither the ambassador or the (Italian) police who were at the residence were touched," said Tajani.
He said the ambassador was "safe" and working remotely in a different location.
"The situation is completely under control in a complicated situation of great jubilation, but jubilation in Syria is manifested by shooting in the air, so still complicated," said Tajani.
08:15pm
Syrians stroll through Assad's palaces, take furniture and ornaments
Groups of Syrians strolled through the palaces of President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday following his ouster, wandering from room to room, posing for photographs, and with some taking items of furniture or ornaments.
Video obtained by Reuters showed people entering the Al-Rawda Presidential Palace, as children ran through the grand rooms and men slid a large trunk across the ornate floor.
Several men carried smart chairs over their shoulders. In a storeroom, cupboards had been ransacked and objects strewn across the floor.
Video of another palace, the Muhajreen Palace, verified by Reuters, showed groups of men and women walking across a white marble floor and through tall wooden doors. A man carried a vase in his hand, and a large cabinet stood empty with its doors ajar.
07:45pm
Netanyahu orders Israeli military to 'seize' Syria buffer zone
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday he had ordered the Israeli military to "seize" a demilitarised buffer zone on the border with Syria after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in Damascus.
The Israeli premier said a 50-year-old "disengagement agreement" between the two countries had collapsed and "Syrian forces have abandoned their positions".
As a result, he said, "I directed the IDF (military) yesterday to seize the buffer zone and the commanding positions nearby. We will not allow any hostile force to establish itself on our border."
The announcement, which Netanyahu made while visiting the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights which abut the buffer zone, came after the military said it had deployed forces to the area.
07:15pm
Lebanon boosts troops on Syria border
The Lebanese army said on Sunday it was reinforcing its presence on the border with neighbouring Syria, after the government of President Bashar al-Assad fell and rebels took the capital Damascus.
"In light of rapid developments and delicate circumstances that the region is going through... units tasked with monitoring and controlling the northern and eastern borders have been reinforced, in conjunction with tightening surveillance measures," the army said in a statement.
An AFP correspondent saw dozens of cars lining the main Masnaa crossing between the two countries as Syrian families returned home, with crowds cheering and chanting anti-Assad slogans.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said he discussed the situation at the Syrian border in a call with army commander Joseph Aoun and security forces chiefs.
Mikati insisted "in these calls on the priority of tightening control over the border and distancing Lebanon from the repercussions of the developments in Syria", his office said in a statement.
Authorities say Lebanon currently hosts around two million Syrians, while more than 800,000 are registered with the United Nations -- the highest number of refugees per capita in the world.
07:00pm
Iranian embassy stormed in Damascus
Iran's embassy in the Syrian capital was stormed by rebels on Sunday following their capture of Damascus and the fall of Iran-allied Bashar al-Assad, Iranian state TV reported.
"It is said that the Iranian embassy was stormed alongside nearby stores by an armed group different from the group now controlling [most of] Syria," Iranian state TV said, referring to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) which spearheaded the rebel advances across western Syria.
Footage from inside the embassy's premises was shared by Saudi Arabia's al-Arabiya channel, showing that assailants had rummaged through furniture and documents inside the building and damaged some windows, reports Reuters.
06:45pm
Turkey's Syrians rejoice over Assad's fall
Hundreds of Syrians celebrated the fall of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in joyous scenes on Sunday outside the Fatih Mosque in central Istanbul, one of the focal points for their 500,000-strong Syrian community in the Turkish city.
Turkey has become home for millions of Syrians who fled since civil war erupted in their home nation in 2011.
Some waved Syrian opposition flags and called for Assad to be executed, reports AFP.
In the middle of the jubilant throng, whose chanting could be heard hundreds of metres (yards) away, a man waved a portrait of Abdel-Basset al-Sarout, a former Syrian football star who became a rebel fighter and was killed in 2019 in clashes with Assad's forces.
06:00pm
'No room for turning back'
Rebel commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani said in a statement read on Syria's state TV after his forces took over Damascus that there is no room for turning back and the group is determined to continue the path they started in 2011 during the Arab Spring.
"The future is ours," al-Golani's statement said, reports Reuters.
05:00pm
Syrian rebels close to defeating Kurdish forces in Manbij
Turkey-backed Syrian forces have taken control of some 80% of northern Syria's Manbij area and are close to victory against Kurdish forces there, a Turkish security source said on Sunday.
"The fight against the YPG/PKK is very close to victory. Both air and land interventions are ongoing to take Manbij from the hands of the YPG/PKK," the source said, referring to the Kurdish militia which has long been in control of Manbij.
04:18pm
Turkey urges intl, regional actors to ensure 'smooth transition' in Syria
03:54pm
Iranian state media says embassy in Damascus 'attacked'
Iranian diplomats in Damascus had left their embassy before it came under attack on Sunday, Iranian media said, after Syrian rebels declared the fall of the Tehran-allied government of Bashar al-Assad.
"Iranian diplomats at the embassy in Damascus evacuated the premises prior to an assault," the Tehran Times daily reported, citing foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, and adding that embassy staff were safe.
Source: AFP
03:31pm
China says hopes Syria 'returns to stability as soon as possible'
China's foreign ministry said Sunday it hopes Syria "returns to stability as soon as possible", after Islamist-led rebels said they had taken Damascus and sent President Bashar al-Assad fleeing.
Beijing "is closely following the development of the situation in Syria and hopes that Syria returns to stability as soon as possible", the foreign ministry said in a statement.
Source: AFP
03:25pm
Iraq evacuates Damascus embassy staff to Lebanon: diplomatic source
03:07pm
Syrian state TV hails 'victory' of 'revolution', fall of Assad
Syrian state television broadcast a message proclaiming the "victory" of Syria's uprising on Sunday and the fall of Bashar al-Assad's "criminal" regime, after rebels seized the capital from government control.
"Victory of the great Syrian revolution and the fall of the criminal Assad regime," read the full-screen message in large white writing on a mainly red background.
Rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and allied factions have pressed a lightning offensive since November 27, seizing swathes of the country from government hands, including major cities Aleppo, Hama and Homs, and entering the capital Damascus early Sunday.
Source: AFP
02:49pm
UN envoy voices 'cautious hope' for Syria at its 'watershed moment'
The UN special envoy to Syria said the country was at "a watershed moment" Sunday, after Islamist-led rebels declared they had taken Damascus, sending President Bashar al-Assad fleeing and ending five decades of Baath rule.
Describing nearly 14 years of civil war in Syria as a "dark chapter (that) has left deep scars", Geir Pedersen said in a statement that "today we look forward with cautious hope to the opening of a new one—one of peace, reconciliation, dignity, and inclusion for all Syrians".
Source: AFP
01:56pm
Walla news reporter says Israelis have told Syrian rebel forces not to approach the border
Walla news' Barak Ravid reported on Sunday that Israel has told Syrian rebel forces not to approach the border, and warned that the country will respond with force if they violate a separation of forces agreement.
Source: Reuters
01:52pm
UAE official: Syria not out of the woods, no knowledge of whether Assad is in the UAE
Syria is not out of the woods yet and extremism and terrorism remain a main concern, the United Arab Emirates diplomatic advisor to the president said on Sunday, adding that he did not know whether or not Bashar al-Assad was in the UAE.
"I don't know," Anwar Gargash told reporters on the sidelines of the Manama Security dialogue in Bahrain when asked if Assad was in the UAE.
Gargash also said Assad had not used the 'lifeline' offered to him by various Arab countries before, including the UAE.
Source: Reuters
01:27pm
Al-Assad's whereabouts still unknown
There's been no word on the Syrian president's whereabouts after he had fled the country.
Reuters, citing senior army officers, reported in the early hours of this morning that al-Assad had boarded a plane and left to an unknown destination.
Now, the last flight to take off from Damascus before the Syrian rebels took the capital was an Illyushin76 aircraft with flight number Syrian air 9218. That flight's signal disappeared shortly after takeoff – over the rebel-held city of Homs, according to open source flight trackers.
01:16pm
Trump says Assad 'fled' Syria after losing Russia's support
US president-elect Donald Trump said on Sunday that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had "fled his country" after losing the backing of Russia.
"Assad is gone," he said on his Truth Social platform. "His protector, Russia, Russia, Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, was not interested in protecting him any longer."
Source: AFP
12:44pm
Syrian telecoms minister says services normal, internet restored to Hama
Syria's telecommunications minister told Al Arabiya television on Sunday that telecom services are functioning normally nationwide, with internet access restored in Hama.
He added that he also spoke with Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the senior rebel commander of the Syrian rebel forces, shortly after Syria's prime minister said he did as well.
Source: Reuters
12:41pm
Israeli military says it deploys forces in buffer zone in light of Syria events
The Israeli military said on Sunday it has deployed forces in the U.N.-monitored buffer zone with Syria and at a number of points necessary for defence in lights of the latest events in the Arab country.
Source: Reuters
12:36pm
Syrian PM calls for free elections, confirms contact with rebel leader
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Jalali said on Sunday that Syria should hold free elections to allow its people to decide their leadership.
In an interview with Al-Arabiya, Jalali also said he had been in contact with rebel commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani to discuss managing the current transitional period, marking a notable development in efforts to shape Syria's political future.
Source: Reuters
12:25pm
Rebels on Syrian state TV say toppled 'tyrant' Bashar al-Assad
Syrian rebel factions said Sunday morning in a message broadcast on state television that they had toppled "tyrant" Bashar al-Assad and freed unjustly detained prisoners, while calling for the safeguarding of state property.
A group of people were shown at the state television news studio, with one reading a statement from the "Damascus Conquest operations room" announcing "the liberation of the city of Damascus and the fall of the tyrant Bashar al-Assad and the release of all the unjustly detained from the regime prisons", calling on fighters and citizens to safeguard the "property of the free Syrian state".
Source: AFP
12:05pm
Rebels on Syrian state TV say they released all those 'unjustly detained' under Assad and urge safeguarding property of 'free' Syrian state.
Syrians in the capital Damascus cheered on Sunday as they trampled on a toppled statue of President Bashar al-Assad's father Hafez, AFPTV images showed.
Hafez al-Assad ruled Syria from 1971 until his death in 2000, setting up a paranoid, brutal system of government that his son inherited. On Sunday, Islamist-led rebels declared Bashar al-Assad had fled the country following a lightning offensive that overran the country.
Source: AFP
12:01pm
Syrian army says operations ongoing against "terrorist groups" in key regions
The Syrian army said early on Sunday that its forces were pressing ahead with military operations against "terrorist groups" in the countryside of Hama, Homs and Deraa, areas that have witnessed escalating clashes in recent days.
The statement comes after rebel forces announced on television they had freed Damascus and ousted President Bashar al-Assad's government.
The Syrian army said there was a need for awareness of what it described as a large-scale plot targeting the country, urging citizens to remain vigilant in defending Syria's stability and sovereignty.
Source: Reuters
11:15am
Syria rebel chief orders forces not to approach Damascus institutions
The leader of Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, ordered forces Sunday not to approach official institutions in Damascus, saying they would remain under the prime minister until they are "officially" handed over.
"To all military forces in the city of Damascus, it is strictly forbidden to approach public institutions, which will remain under the supervision of the former prime minister until they are officially handed over," Jolani said in a statement on Telegram, using his real name Ahmed al-Sharaa instead of his nom de guerre, and adding: "It is forbidden to shoot into the air."
Source: AFP
10:40am
Biden monitoring 'extraordinary events' in Syria: White House
US President Joe Biden is keeping a close eye on "extraordinary events" transpiring in Syria, the White House said late Saturday, after a war monitor said President Bashar al-Assad fled the country and rebels declared they have taken the capital.
"President Biden and his team are closely monitoring the extraordinary events in Syria and staying in constant touch with regional partners," National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said in a statement on social media.
Source: AFP
10:10am, 8 December
Rebels announce 'new era' after 'tyrant' Bashar al-Assad 'fled'
Syrian rebels said Sunday that President Bashar al-Assad had fled the country, calling on citizens abroad to return to a "free Syria" and saying that Damascus was free of the "tyrant".
"The tyrant Bashar al-Assad has fled" and "we declare the city of Damascus free", the rebel factions said on Telegram, adding that "after 50 years of oppression under Baath rule, and 13 years of crimes and tyranny and (forced) displacement... we announce today the end of this dark period and the start of a new era for Syria".
Source: AFP
09:38am
Syrian PM says ready to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the people
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali said Sunday he was ready to "cooperate" with any leadership chosen by the people and for any handover process, after rebels said President Bashar al-Assad had fled the country.
"This country can be a normal country that builds good relations with its neighbours and the world... but this issue is up to any leadership chosen by the Syrian people. We are ready to cooperate with it (that leadership) and offer all possible facilities," Jalali said in a speech broadcast on his Facebook account.
Source: AFP
09:002am, 8 Dec
Assad has left Damascus, say senior army officers
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad boarded a plane and left Damascus for an unknown destination on Sunday, two senior army officers told Reuters, as rebels said they had entered the capital with no sign of army deployments.
Thousands in cars and on foot congregated at a main square in Damascus waving and chanting "Freedom", witnesses said.
"We celebrate with the Syrian people the news of freeing our prisoners and releasing their chains and announcing the end of the era of injustice in Sednaya prison," said the rebels.
Sednaya is a large military prison on the outskirts Damascus where the Syrian government detained thousands.
Source: Reuters
History of the war in Syria
March 2011
Protests against Assad's rule spread across Syria
The protests, which began in Deraa in southern Syria, spread across the country. Security forces responded with arrests and shootings.
July 2012
Assad launches air raids on towns and cities
The strikes targeted towns and cities that had rebelled against his rule, where once peaceful protesters began carrying arms. Thousands were killed.
Aug. 2013
Washington declares the use of chemical weapons a red line
But a gas attack on densely populated rebel-held Eastern Ghouta on the outskirts of Damascus killed hundreds of civilians without triggering a U.S. military response.
Sept. 2014
Washington builds an anti-Islamic State coalition and starts air strikes
The strikes helped Kurdish forces turn the jihadist tide but created friction with ally Turkey.
Sept. 2015
Russia joins the war on Assad's side
With additional backing from Iran, Russian warplanes and military aid swiftly turned the course of conflict against the rebels.
April 2017
The United States launches a cruise missile attack on a Syrian government airbase near Homs
This action was taken after a poison gas attack on rebel-held Khan Sheikhoun.
Dec. 2019 - March 2020
The Russian-led offensive in northwest Syria displaces about one million civilians
Marking the worst humanitarian crisis since the conflict began, Ankara sends thousands of soldiers across the border to help stem the offensive. Turkey says it will not stop Syrian refugees from reaching Europe and opens its borders. Thousands flee for Greece.
June 2020
The United States announces the toughest U.S. sanctions against Damascus
Known as the "Caesar Act", the sanctions had wider powers to freeze the assets of anyone dealing with Syria, regardless of nationality, and covered more industrial sectors from construction to energy.
Dec. 2020 - March 2021
Israel steps up air strikes against various parts of Syria, especially the east
The strikes were aimed at hitting targets to prevent further Iranian entrenchment in the region.
Feb. 2021
Joe Biden's U.S. administration carries out an airstrike in Syria's east alongside the Iraqi border
The strike targeted a structure belonging to what it said were Iran-backed militia.
March 2023
Biden warns Iran after tit-for-tat strikes in Syria
U.S. President Joe Biden warned Iran that the United States would "act forcefully" to protect Americans, after the U.S. military carried out air strikes against Iran-backed forces in retaliation for an attack in Syria that killed an American contractor and injured several U.S. troops.
May 2023
Arab states bring Syria's Assad back into fold
Arab states turned the page on years of confrontation with Assad by letting Syria back into the Arab League, a milestone in his regional rehabilitation even as the West continues to shun him after years of war.
Source: Reuters
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