Fall of Damascus

On 7 December 2024, Syrian opposition Southern Operations Room forces entered the Rif Dimashq region from the south. They were within 20 kilometres (12 mi) of the capital Damascus. The Syrian Arab Army left from multiple points near the city.[1] At the same time, opposition Tahrir al-Sham and the Syrian National Army in the north launched an offensive into Homs,[2] while the Syrian Free Army entered the capital from the southeast.[3]

On 8 December, rebel forces entered the city's Barzeh neighborhood.[4]

According to multiple reports, President Bashar al-Assad left Damascus on plane to Moscow where he was granted political asylum.[5]

Reactions

  •  China: China's Foreign Ministry stated that it "is closely following the development of the situation in Syria and hopes that Syria returns to stability as soon as possible" and urged all parties to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens in Syria.[6]
  •  Qatar: Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani criticized Assad for failing to use the previous lull in fighting to address Syria's underlying problems, stating "Assad didn't seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people."[7]
  •  Russia: Following Russia's call for its citizens to leave Syria, the Russian Embassy reported that all its staff members were safe following the fall of Damascus.[8] Russia's Foreign Ministry stated that it was in contact with "all groups of the Syrian opposition", but played no role in negotiations.[9]
  •  United Kingdom: U.K. deputy prime minister Angela Rayner said that the government welcomed the fall of Bashar al-Assad.[10]
  •  United Nations: U.N. Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an "orderly political transition" and the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2254.[7]
  •  USA: The White House reported that "President Biden and his team are closely monitoring the extraordinary events in Syria and staying in constant touch with regional partners."[11]

References

  1. ↑ "10 km from the capital Damascus.. The regime is withdrawing rapidly in southern Syria and the factions are advancing" (in Arabic). SOHR. 7 December 2024. Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  2. ↑ "Local factions break the first lines of defense of Homs city and attack the headquarters of the 26th Division and the College of Engineering near the city" (in Arabic). SOHR. 7 December 2024. Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  3. ↑ "US-backed anti-regime groups began expanding to north and towards Damascus from southern Syria". Anadolu Agency. 7 December 2024.
  4. ↑ Kourdi, Eyad; Edwards, Christian; Robertson, Nic; Schmitz, Avery (7 December 2024), Syrian rebels appear to have entered Damascus as Assad regime's defenses crumble, CNN, retrieved 7 December 2024
  5. ↑ "Syria's Assad and his family are in Moscow after Russia granted them asylum, say Russian news agencies". reuters.com. December 8, 2024. Retrieved December 8, 2024.
  6. ↑ {{cite news| title=China reacts to Syria takeover, calls for 'return to stability as soon as possible'| url=https://www.firstpost.com/world/china-reacts-to-syria-takeover-calls-for-return-to-stability-as-soon-as-possible-13842747.html%7C website=First Post| date=8 December 2024| access-date=8 December 2024|
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Cite error: The named reference ap-assad-fled was used but no text was provided for refs named (see the help page).
  8. ↑ "How Russia Is Reacting to the Downfall of Syria's Assad". The Moscow Times. 8 December 2024. Retrieved 8 December 2024. The Russian Embassy in Syria told the state-run TASS news agency that all its staff members were safe following the offensive
  9. ↑ Cite error: The named reference Out was used but no text was provided for refs named (see the help page).
  10. ↑ Courea, Eleni (8 December 2024). "Angela Rayner says she welcomes fall of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad". The Guardian. Retrieved 8 December 2024. UK government welcomes the fall of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, the deputy prime minister said
  11. ↑ "World reaction to end of Assad rule in Syria". Reuters. 8 December 2024. Retrieved 8 December 2024.