Syria - Bashar Al Assad, dictator since 2000, has fled the country, 7 December 2024

[HmmMysterious]

On December 7, 2024, Syria's army command informed officers that the 24-year-long authoritarian rule of President Bashar Al Assad has ended. Syrian rebels had launched an offensive that captured the capitol city of Damascus which left President Assad with no choice, but to flee. Thousands in cars and on foot celebrated in the city's main square.

A Syrian Air plane left Damascus airport around the same time that the rebels captured the city. It initially flew towards Syria's coastal region, a stronghold of President Assad, but then made a sudden U turn, flying in the opposite direction for a few minutes before disappearing from the map.

Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Russia issued a joint statement condemning this event. Meanwhile, the United States said it was monitoring it and contacting regional partners.

https://www.reuters.com/world/middl...captured-homs-set-sights-damascus-2024-12-07/

 

[nao]

Moo..so where did he go. I was watching n reading news on this. Did not expect things to happen so fast. So now what happens to Syria

 

[whitelilac]

I've been checking this evening if there was a thread. Glad there is.

They are searching for Assad now and questioning his military officers presently.
I had wondered if he was holed up in a bunker under his palace.
However, I think he's always had an escape plan prepared given the volatility there.

 

[whitelilac]

Syrian army says Assad rule has ended
Assad boards plane, leaves Damascus, say senior army officers
Assad's destination unknown, officers say
Thousands celebrate "Freedom" in Damascus

AMMAN/BEIRUT/CAIRO, Dec 8 (Reuters) - Syrian rebels said on Sunday that they have ended Bashar al-Assad's 24-year authoritarian rule, in their first announcement on state television following a lightning offensive that took the world by surprise.
Syria's army command notified officers on Sunday that Assad's regime had ended

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/syria-rebels-celebrate-captured-homs-set-sights-damascus-2024-12-07/

 

[Ed Teach]

I wonder if this will play out similarly to Libya?

 

[Vern]

UAE .... ??

 

[vls12345]

Syria rebellion: Syrian rebels say President Assad has fled as they declare they have captured capital Damascus

Reports from Syria say President Bashar al-Assad has left the country as anti-government forces enter the capital.

www.bbc.com

 

[Vern]

Syria Live Map:

(Click on map icons for timeline of events/movement on right sside of screen)

Map of Syrian Civil War - Syria news and incidents today - syria.liveuamap.com

Explore Syrian Civil War news on live map in English. Civil war and International intervention in Syria. War on terrorism in Syria

syria.liveuamap.com

 

[MelmothTheLost]

Moo..so where did he go.

I would guess Russia. Putin's forces, especially the Russian airforce, have been supporting the Syrian army in recent years.

 

[BrianJohnson]

Moo..so where did he go. I was watching n reading news on this. Did not expect things to happen so fast. So now what happens to Syria

His wife and children fled to Russia earlier in the week, some of his other relatives to Dubai, I suspect he will join his wife in Russia

 

[sds71]

A source in the Kremlin told @tassagency_en
that former Syrian president Assad and his family are in Moscow and were granted political asylum

https://twitter.com/x/status/1865816959998112089

https://twitter.com/x/status/1865816481792962823

 

[whitelilac]

Assad requesting asylum in Moscow, Russian media reports​

Doha Madani
Former Syrian President Assad has landed in Moscow after fleeing from opposition rebels who closed in on Damascus today, according to Russia 24.

The state-owned TV channel cited anonymous sources in its report, adding that Assad has requested asylum in Russia. Two other Russian news outlets, TASS and Interfax, also reported that Assad arrived in Moscow with his family, citing Kremlin sources.

RIA Novosti, another Russian state news agency, reported that Assad’s request for asylum was granted for “humanitarian reasons.”

Live updates: Assad regime ends in Syria as rebels claim Damascus

A coalition of Syrian rebels say they have toppled the government of President Bashar al-Assad and captured the Syrian capital of Damascus.

www.nbcnews.com

 

[MarziPanda]

My worry is what comes after this. The dictator is gone, but will he simply be replaced by another? Will there be an attempt by some of the rebel factions to insert an ultra strict Islamic state? Some of the factions have links to Al Qaeda etc. Or will there be a democratically elected government? We can only wait and see.

 

[HmmMysterious]

My worry is what comes after this. The dictator is gone, but will he simply be replaced by another? Will there be an attempt by some of the rebel factions to insert an ultra strict Islamic state? Some of the factions have links to Al Qaeda etc. Or will there be a democratically elected government? We can only wait and see.

I was thinking about that too. I hate to be pessimistic, but I think Syria will become just like Iran - another extremist Islamist state.

 

[sds71]

Women 'freed from notorious underground prison in Syria'

Human rights groups say thousands were tortured and killed in the underground cells of Saydnaya prison near Damascus. Rebels have asked former prison guards to provide them with the electronic codes to open the cell doors holding the prisoners.

news.sky.com

 

[Wishbone]

U.S. forces carried out 75+ airstrikes against ISIS inside Syria, rebels take control of the country​

 

[sds71]

Damascus, Dec 9 (AP) Syrian insurgents who toppled President Bashar Assad said they won't impose any religious dress code on women and vowed to guarantee personal freedom for everyone.
In a statement posted on social media, the insurgents' General Command said “it is strictly forbidden to interfere with women's dress or impose any request related to their clothing or appearance, including requests for modesty”.
The command said it affirms that personal freedom is guaranteed to everyone, and that respect for the rights of individuals is the basis for building a civilised nation.
In areas that were controlled by Syrian opposition groups since the civil war erupted in 2011, the vast majority of women dressed modestly, only revealing their faces and hands.
Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the militant leader whose forces entered Damascus over the weekend, has renounced longtime ties to al-Qaida and depicted himself as a champion of pluralism and tolerance. (AP) SCY
SCY

Syrian insurgents say they won't interfere with women's dressing or personal freedoms

Damascus, Dec 9 (AP) Syrian insurgents who toppled President Bashar Assad said they won't impose any religious dress code on

www.theweek.in

 

[Styngyn]

One totalitarian regime being replaced by a new one. Just another day in the life of that region

 

[PrairieWind]

One totalitarian regime being replaced by a new one. Just another day in the life of that region

I hope you are not correct, but there is little recent historical reason to think otherwise. I am at a loss to understand who could actually take over and form a government right now in Syria.

 

[Warwick1991]

I am not optimistic about the future of Syria. While the people are jubilant about the fall of the Assad regime, they could be headed for civil war or a totalitarian theocracy. I can remember Iran in 1979. People there were happy about the fall of the Shah's regime and the end of his secret police, Savak. But soon enough, the revolutionary regime killed thousands of people and imposed a much harsher regime. I foresee the same here.