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THE TIMES OF INDIA | Dec 10, 2024, 01:33:52 IST
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Syria Civil War Live: Hamas congratulates Syrians on toppling Assad, achieving 'freedom and justice'
Syrian Civil War Live Updates : US military forces conducted a major aerial operation targeting more than 75 Isis positions in Syria. The strikes, part of an ongoing effort to disrupt and degrade Isis, aimed to prevent the group from resuming external operations and exploiting the current instability in the region. Over 75 targets were hit using a variety of US Air Force assets, including B-52s, F-15s, and A-10s. CENTCOM confirmed that no civilian casualties were reported, and battle damage assessments are underway.
General Michael Erik Kurilla reiterated the US commitment to preventing ISIS from reconstituting itself in Syria. "We will hold accountable any groups that support or partner with ISIS," he stated. The US is working closely with regional allies to continue degrading Isis's operational capabilities.
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden addressed the recent collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, calling it a "fundamental act of justice." He acknowledged the risk and uncertainty that the region now faces but emphasised that the end of Assad's oppressive rule offers a "historic opportunity" for Syria's people to rebuild. The rebel forces’ capture of strategic cities, including Homs and Damascus, marked the beginning of the end for Assad's 24-year reign. As Assad fled Syria, celebrations erupted across the country, signalling the collapse of over five decades of Baathist rule.
General Michael Erik Kurilla reiterated the US commitment to preventing ISIS from reconstituting itself in Syria. "We will hold accountable any groups that support or partner with ISIS," he stated. The US is working closely with regional allies to continue degrading Isis's operational capabilities.
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden addressed the recent collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, calling it a "fundamental act of justice." He acknowledged the risk and uncertainty that the region now faces but emphasised that the end of Assad's oppressive rule offers a "historic opportunity" for Syria's people to rebuild. The rebel forces’ capture of strategic cities, including Homs and Damascus, marked the beginning of the end for Assad's 24-year reign. As Assad fled Syria, celebrations erupted across the country, signalling the collapse of over five decades of Baathist rule.
11:13 (IST) Dec 08
Syria Civil War Live: Crowds gather to celebrate in central squares of Damascus
Crowds of Syrians flooded the central squares of Damascus, celebrating with chants against President Assad and car horns blaring. In some areas, celebratory gunshots echoed through the streets. "My feelings are indescribable," said Omar Daher, a 29-year-old lawyer. "After the fear that Assad and his father imposed on us for so many years, I can't believe this moment." Daher, whose father was killed by security forces and whose brother remains in detention, called Assad "a criminal, a tyrant, and a dog."
Ghazal al-Sharif, another reveler in central Damascus, echoed similar sentiments, saying, "Damn his soul and the soul of the entire Assad family. This is the prayer of every oppressed person, and today, God answered it."
Ghazal al-Sharif, another reveler in central Damascus, echoed similar sentiments, saying, "Damn his soul and the soul of the entire Assad family. This is the prayer of every oppressed person, and today, God answered it."
10:07 (IST) Dec 08
Syria Civil War Live: Government collapses as Assad flees amid rebel advance
The Syrian government appeared to collapse early Sunday, marking a stunning end to the 50-year rule of the Assad family following a lightning-fast rebel offensive. According to the head of a Syrian opposition war monitor, President Bashar al-Assad fled the country for an undisclosed location, retreating ahead of insurgents who claimed to have entered Damascus after a rapid advance across the nation.
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali, in a video statement, said the government was ready to "extend its hand" to the opposition and transfer power to a transitional government. Jalali, who remained at his home, emphasized his commitment to the country and announced plans to continue his work the following day. He urged Syrians not to deface public property but did not address the reports of Assad's departure.
Rami Abdurrahman of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told The Associated Press that Assad took a flight from Damascus on Sunday. Iran's state television, Assad's main ally throughout the war, also reported that Assad had left the capital, citing Qatar's Al Jazeera news network, though no further details were provided. There was no immediate response from the Syrian government.
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali, in a video statement, said the government was ready to "extend its hand" to the opposition and transfer power to a transitional government. Jalali, who remained at his home, emphasized his commitment to the country and announced plans to continue his work the following day. He urged Syrians not to deface public property but did not address the reports of Assad's departure.
Rami Abdurrahman of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told The Associated Press that Assad took a flight from Damascus on Sunday. Iran's state television, Assad's main ally throughout the war, also reported that Assad had left the capital, citing Qatar's Al Jazeera news network, though no further details were provided. There was no immediate response from the Syrian government.
09:47 (IST) Dec 08
As rebel forces advance on the outskirts of Damascus, speculation about the whereabouts of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad intensifies both inside and outside the war-torn country.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on Sunday that Assad fled Syria through Damascus International Airport following substantial territorial losses to a swift rebel offensive.
However, this report has not been independently verified by AFP, adding to the uncertainty surrounding Assad's location as his regime faces its most significant crisis in decades. Conflicting reports suggest possible flights to Russia or Jordan, further fueling the mystery of his whereabouts. According to Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory, Assad's departure took place before army security forces withdrew from the airport.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on Sunday that Assad fled Syria through Damascus International Airport following substantial territorial losses to a swift rebel offensive.
However, this report has not been independently verified by AFP, adding to the uncertainty surrounding Assad's location as his regime faces its most significant crisis in decades. Conflicting reports suggest possible flights to Russia or Jordan, further fueling the mystery of his whereabouts. According to Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory, Assad's departure took place before army security forces withdrew from the airport.
09:33 (IST) Dec 08
Syria Civil War Live: Rebels say public institutions will remain under supervision of 'former prime minister'
Syrian rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa announced on Sunday that access to public institutions would be restricted, with these institutions remaining under the supervision of the "former prime minister" until an official handover takes place. This statement followed reports that President Bashar al-Assad fled Damascus as rebels entered the capital.
According to a Syrian officer informed of the situation, the Syrian army command had notified officers that Assad's 24-year rule had come to an end. Meanwhile, Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, who remained in his home, expressed his readiness to support the continuity of governance during the transition.
According to a Syrian officer informed of the situation, the Syrian army command had notified officers that Assad's 24-year rule had come to an end. Meanwhile, Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, who remained in his home, expressed his readiness to support the continuity of governance during the transition.
09:13 (IST) Dec 08
Syria Civil War Live: Syrian PM says ready to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the people
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali stated on Sunday that he was prepared to "cooperate" with any leadership chosen by the Syrian people, following rebel claims that President Bashar al-Assad had fled the country. In a speech broadcast on his Facebook account, Jalali emphasized that Syria could become a "normal country" with strong relations with its neighbors and the world, but stressed that the future of the country would depend on the leadership selected by the Syrian people. He expressed readiness to support the transition and provide all necessary assistance.
"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
"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
09:06 (IST) Dec 08
Syrian rebels announced they had seized full control of the strategic city of Homs early on Sunday after just one day of fighting, further threatening President Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year rule as insurgents advanced toward Damascus.
As government forces withdrew, thousands of Homs residents flooded the streets, celebrating with chants of "Assad is gone, Homs is free" and "Long live Syria, down with Bashar al-Assad." Rebels fired into the air in triumph, while youths tore down posters of the Syrian president, signaling a dramatic collapse of Assad's territorial control over the past week.
As government forces withdrew, thousands of Homs residents flooded the streets, celebrating with chants of "Assad is gone, Homs is free" and "Long live Syria, down with Bashar al-Assad." Rebels fired into the air in triumph, while youths tore down posters of the Syrian president, signaling a dramatic collapse of Assad's territorial control over the past week.
08:50 (IST) Dec 08
Syria Civil War Live: UN Syria envoy urged 'calm' and 'avoidance of bloodshed'
The United Nations Special Envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, called for calm in the country on Saturday following rapid advances by Islamist-led rebels. Speaking at the Doha Forum for political dialogue, Pedersen urged for de-escalation and the protection of civilians, emphasizing the need to adhere to international humanitarian law. He also stressed the importance of starting a process that addresses the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people.
"I reiterate my call for de-escalation, for calm, for the avoidance of bloodshed and the protection of civilians in line with international humanitarian law," Pedersen said at the Doha Forum for political dialogue, urging "the start of a process that leads to the realisation of the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people".
"I reiterate my call for de-escalation, for calm, for the avoidance of bloodshed and the protection of civilians in line with international humanitarian law," Pedersen said at the Doha Forum for political dialogue, urging "the start of a process that leads to the realisation of the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people".
08:48 (IST) Dec 08
Syria Civil War Live: What US said on Syria
The White House stated on Saturday that the US priorities in Syria are to prevent the conflict from fueling a resurgence of the Islamic State (ISIS) and to avoid a "humanitarian catastrophe."
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed concern about potential spillover, particularly regarding ISIS. He emphasized that in past phases of Syria’s civil war, the emergence of ISIS had been a major issue. At the Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, California, Sullivan affirmed that the main focus is to prevent ISIS from reemerging, adding that the US will take steps, both independently and in collaboration with the Syrian Democratic Forces and Kurdish groups, to ensure this does not happen.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed concern about potential spillover, particularly regarding ISIS. He emphasized that in past phases of Syria’s civil war, the emergence of ISIS had been a major issue. At the Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, California, Sullivan affirmed that the main focus is to prevent ISIS from reemerging, adding that the US will take steps, both independently and in collaboration with the Syrian Democratic Forces and Kurdish groups, to ensure this does not happen.
08:47 (IST) Dec 08
Syria Civil War Live: Rebels vow no more 'sectarianism and tyranny'
Syrian rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani sought to reassure religious minorities on Saturday after Islamist-led fighters, including his group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), captured key cities and large territories from government control. His comments came just over a week into a rapid offensive against President Bashar al-Assad's forces.
Abdel Ghani, a senior commander and spokesman for the rebel alliance, acknowledged in a statement on Telegram that the rebels had taken areas home to "different religious sects and minorities." Despite this, he sought to calm concerns amid the ongoing advances. Meanwhile, Assad was last seen in images released by his office, meeting with Iran's foreign minister in Damascus.
Abdel Ghani, a senior commander and spokesman for the rebel alliance, acknowledged in a statement on Telegram that the rebels had taken areas home to "different religious sects and minorities." Despite this, he sought to calm concerns amid the ongoing advances. Meanwhile, Assad was last seen in images released by his office, meeting with Iran's foreign minister in Damascus.
08:47 (IST) Dec 08
Syria Civil War Live: Rebels make major gains in Syria led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham
The rebel alliance, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which traces its roots to Al-Qaeda's former Syria branch and is based in Syria’s last rebel stronghold, the Idlib region, has made significant territorial gains in recent weeks. Starting their push on November 27, the rebels quickly took control of Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city and pre-war commercial hub, within just four days, except for Kurdish-held districts.
By Thursday, they had seized Hama, the country’s fourth-largest city, with Syrian Defense Minister Ali Abbas claiming it was a "tactical" withdrawal by the army. Further south, the government deployed "large reinforcements" to Homs, Syria's third-largest city, in an attempt to slow the rebel advance, which had brought them within 140 kilometers of Damascus.
Fabrice Balanche, a lecturer at the University Lumiere Lyon 2 in France, reported that HTS now controls around 20,000 square kilometers of territory—nearly seven times more than before the offensive began.
By Thursday, they had seized Hama, the country’s fourth-largest city, with Syrian Defense Minister Ali Abbas claiming it was a "tactical" withdrawal by the army. Further south, the government deployed "large reinforcements" to Homs, Syria's third-largest city, in an attempt to slow the rebel advance, which had brought them within 140 kilometers of Damascus.
Fabrice Balanche, a lecturer at the University Lumiere Lyon 2 in France, reported that HTS now controls around 20,000 square kilometers of territory—nearly seven times more than before the offensive began.
08:45 (IST) Dec 08
Syria Civil War Live: Foreign ministers of Iran, Russia, and Turkey meet to discuss Syria
The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia, and Turkey, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the ongoing hostilities. Turkey, a major supporter of the rebels, participated in the talks.
Qatar's top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, expressed surprise at the rapid advance of the rebels and warned of a serious threat to Syria's "territorial integrity." He criticized President Assad for failing to seize the opportunity to engage with his people and restore relations. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that without urgent action to begin a political process, the war could "damage and destroy what remains" of Syria.
Qatar's top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, expressed surprise at the rapid advance of the rebels and warned of a serious threat to Syria's "territorial integrity." He criticized President Assad for failing to seize the opportunity to engage with his people and restore relations. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that without urgent action to begin a political process, the war could "damage and destroy what remains" of Syria.
Syrian Civil War Live Updates: US military forces carried out a significant aerial operation targeting over 75 ISIS positions across Syria. The operation, which is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt and defeat ISIS, aimed to prevent the group from conducting external operations and exploiting the current instability in Syria. The strikes involved multiple US Air Force assets, including B-52 bombers, F-15 fighter jets, and A-10 ground attack aircraft. CENTCOM reported that the strikes hit key targets with no indication of civilian casualties, and battle damage assessments are currently underway.
General Michael Erik Kurilla stressed the US’s commitment to preventing ISIS from reconstituting itself in Syria, stating, "We will hold accountable any groups that partner with or support ISIS in any way." CENTCOM, in collaboration with regional allies, will continue operations to degrade ISIS’s capabilities, despite the evolving situation in Syria.
In a separate development, US President Joe Biden addressed the recent downfall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, describing it as a "fundamental act of justice." While acknowledging the uncertainty that this moment brings, Biden emphasised the historic opportunity it presents for the Syrian people to rebuild their country after years of suffering under Assad’s brutal rule. The collapse of Assad’s 24-year regime followed a series of key rebel victories, including the capture of Homs and Damascus. As Assad fled Syria, celebrations erupted across the country, marking the end of over five decades of Baathist authoritarian rule. This momentous change signals both the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for Syria.
General Michael Erik Kurilla stressed the US’s commitment to preventing ISIS from reconstituting itself in Syria, stating, "We will hold accountable any groups that partner with or support ISIS in any way." CENTCOM, in collaboration with regional allies, will continue operations to degrade ISIS’s capabilities, despite the evolving situation in Syria.
In a separate development, US President Joe Biden addressed the recent downfall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, describing it as a "fundamental act of justice." While acknowledging the uncertainty that this moment brings, Biden emphasised the historic opportunity it presents for the Syrian people to rebuild their country after years of suffering under Assad’s brutal rule. The collapse of Assad’s 24-year regime followed a series of key rebel victories, including the capture of Homs and Damascus. As Assad fled Syria, celebrations erupted across the country, marking the end of over five decades of Baathist authoritarian rule. This momentous change signals both the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for Syria.
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