by Our Correspondent in Doha
The IL-76T cargo aircraft allegedly carrying Bashar al-Assad, the now-former President of the Syrian Arab Republic, has reportedly crashed close to the city of Al-Suwayri after disappearing from radar. Assad’s departure from Damascus got here amid the overall collapse of his regime, marking the tip of 61 years of Ba’athist rule and the start of a brand new chapter in Syria’s turbulent historical past.
The crash follows Assad’s dramatic try and flee the nation as insurgent forces seized management of Damascus. The Syrian Arab Army, as soon as an emblem of regime power, capitulated below the load of inner disorganisation and a coordinated insurgent offensive. Witness reviews counsel the aircraft, en path to an unknown vacation spot—probably Russia—displayed erratic flight behaviour earlier than its abrupt disappearance. Assad, a licensed pilot, is purported to have been on the controls, although the precise circumstances stay unclear. Wreckage close to Al-Suwayri is but to be independently verified.
This incident coincides with an official announcement from the newly fashioned Syrian Transitional Government, which declared the autumn of Assad’s regime and issued its first public assertion:
“O free sons of Syria,
After lengthy years of injustice, tyranny and oppression, and after nice sacrifices made by the little kids of this pricey homeland, we announce immediately to the good Syrian folks and the whole world that the regime of Bashar al-Assad has fallen, and that he has fled the nation, forsaking a legacy of destruction and struggling.
On this historic day, we announce that the forces of the revolution and opposition have taken management of affairs in beloved Syria, and we affirm our dedication to constructing a free, simply and democratic state wherein all residents are equal with out discrimination.
We pledge earlier than God and earlier than the folks the next:
- Preserving the unity and sovereignty of Syrian territory.
- Protecting all residents and their property, no matter their affiliations.
- Working to rebuild the state and its establishments on the foundations of freedom and justice.
- Striving to realize complete nationwide reconciliation, and returning refugees and displaced individuals to their properties in security and dignity.
- Holding accountable all those that have dedicated crimes towards the Syrian folks, in accordance with the legislation and justice.
We name on all of the Syrian folks to unite and stand collectively at this historic stage, and we affirm that the brand new Syria is not going to be the monopoly of anybody, however moderately a homeland for all. Long stay a free and proud Syria.”
— National Transitional Council, Damascus, 8 December 2024
This assertion highlights the transitional authorities’s intention to forge a brand new path for Syria, grounded in unity, justice, and reconciliation.
Despite the regime’s collapse, violence continues to plague the nation. Clashes between the Syrian National Army (SNA) and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) persist, leaving massive parts of the nation in a state of uncertainty. Humanitarian organisations warn of worsening situations for civilians and an pressing want for worldwide help.
The speedy disintegration of the Assad regime has sparked widespread evaluation. Many blame systemic failures throughout the Syrian Arab Army and the regime’s incapability to take care of loyalty amongst its ranks. While exterior pressures from regional actors similar to Turkey and Israel performed roles, analysts warning towards overlooking the regime’s inner fragility.
The way forward for Syria is deeply unsure. With insurgent forces and opposition factions holding various ideologies and objectives, the potential for extended instability stays excessive. Nonetheless, the Syrian Transitional Government has referred to as on residents to unite and rebuild the nation as a homeland for all, laying the groundwork for a hopeful however difficult future.
Read our editorial on Assad revealed on November 30.
