Sangbad Voice 9, International Desk: In a dramatic turn of events, the opposition has successfully seized control of Damascus, marking a significant blow to the regime of Bashar al-Assad. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has expressed his approval of this monumental shift in power. “The arms of the octopus are being severed one by one,” Katz proclaimed, underscoring the gradual dismantling of al-Assad’s influence.
In a strategic maneuver, Katz, in concert with Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu, has directed the military to secure the buffer zone that lies
between Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. “This is imperative to
safeguard all Israeli settlements in the Golan Heights—both Jewish and
Druze—ensuring they remain insulated from potential threats emanating from
across the border,” he articulated, emphasizing the necessity of vigilance in
these tumultuous times.
On Sunday, December 8, 2024, throngs of jubilant crowds converged in the heart of Damascus, Syria, to commemorate the momentous downfall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The air was thick with fervor as chants of liberation echoed through the streets, interspersed with prayers and sporadic gunfire, a testament to the chaotic yet euphoric atmosphere following the opposition's remarkable incursion into the capital.
Syrian rebels triumphantly proclaimed the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad after their audacious seizure of Damascus, effectively dismantling a dynasty that had maintained an iron grip on power for over 13 years amidst a brutal civil war. This seismic shift heralds a new chapter for West Asia, as the region grapples with the profound implications of Assad's departure and the potential for a redefined political landscape.
On Sunday, the Syrian rebel coalition announced its ongoing efforts to facilitate the transfer of authority in Syria to a transitional governing body endowed with comprehensive executive powers. At the forefront of this insurgent movement is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a formidable force that has orchestrated significant advances throughout western Syria. Once an affiliate of al-Qaeda known as the Nusra Front, HTS underwent a pivotal transformation in 2016 when its leader, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, severed ties with the global jihadist network.
As the most potent rebel faction in Syria, HTS commands considerable influence, yet this has engendered trepidation among segments of the Syrian populace. Many harbor concerns that the group may impose an austere Islamist regime or enact vengeful reprisals against those perceived as adversaries. The delicate balance of power and the future governance of Syria remain fraught with uncertainty as the nation stands on the precipice of a new era.
