Damascus: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who fled the country after rebels in the country took over its capital Damascus and his sprawling palaces, landed in Russia, reports claimed. The Russia media has also claimed that Moscow had granted him asylum ‘on humanitarian grounds.’
Amid such developments, the US stated that its forces conducted numerous airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Syria after the takeover of the country by the rebellious opposition, marking an end to the 24-year-old rule of Assad, who was believed to be an autocrat.
After Assad’s ouster, the Islamist-led rebels and Syrians rejoiced at the end of the 13-year-old civil war in the country. Many strolled through Assad’s palaces, taking away
items of furniture or ornaments. Several posed for photographs in different rooms.
Who said what after the end of civil war in Syria:
- Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, Syria’s Prime Minister under Assad, batted for free elections.
- The Syrian rebel coalition stated that it was working to complete the transfer of power to a transitional governing body with executive powers.
- Joe Biden said the United States would work with partners and stakeholders in Syria to help seize an opportunity and manage the risk. He also added that the US would support Syria’s neighbours through the period of transition. The US would also assess the words and actions of rebel groups, Biden reportedly said.
- The US Central Command claimed the forces conducted dozens of airstrikes on Islamic State targets in central Syria on Sunday. The strikes were aimed at preventing a resurgence of the Islamic State in the war-hit country, it claimed.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Assad’s fall was thanks to blows Israel had dealt to Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah.