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The of the Assad regime a brutal half-century grip Syria came to an end, in a stunning defeat by opposition rebels WHO took control of Damascus on Sunday after more than 13 years of civil war.
Russiaone of the Assad regime’s key allies, is now scrambling to secure its military bases in Syria, saying it is “premature” to talk about what the future holds.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said “everything is being done” to try to “address security,” adding that the Russian military is “taking all necessary precautions.”
A Russian lawmaker said today that Putin’s regime will respond strongly if Russian bases in Syria are attacked.
Earlier today, Israel said it had struck suspected chemical weapons sites in Syria to prevent them from falling into the hands of hostile actors. “The only interest we have is the security of Israel and its citizens,” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said.
The Syrian White Helmets investigated reports of prisoners being held in hidden underground cells in the infamous Saydnaya. For now, there is no “evidence confirming the presence of prisoners other than those who were released yesterday.” [Sunday],” read an update Monday afternoon.
Syrian banks will reopen on Tuesday
Syrian banks will reopen on Tuesday and staff have been asked to return to their offices, a Syrian central bank source and two commercial bankers told Reuters.
Syria’s currency – the Syrian pound or lira – will continue to be used, they added.
Alex Croft9 December 2024 15:15
NATO calls for a peaceful transition of power
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called for a “peaceful transition of power” after this “moment of joy” for the Syrian people.
In a statement, Mr Rutte said: “This is a moment of joy but also of uncertainty for the people of Syria and the region. We hope for a peaceful transition of power and an inclusive Syrian-led political process.”
Syrian rebel leaders must uphold the rule of law, protect civilians and respect religious minorities during the transition, Mr Rutte added.
He criticized Russia and Iran for their role in the conflict, saying they abandoned former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad after he no longer served their interests.
Alex Croft9 December 2024 14:54
Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the rebellion that overthrew Syria’s Assad?
Tom Watling9 December 2024 14:40
Watchdog urges Syria to meet chemical weapons obligations
The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) said on Monday that it had recalled Syrian authorities of their obligation to destroy banned toxic munitions amid ongoing political changes in the country.
Tom Watling9 December 2024 14:20
There is no request for Assad’s British wife to come to the UK, the government says
Tom Watling9 December 2024 14:07
Rescuers are searching for prisoners of the Syrian regime
Rescue workers are frantically searching for Syrian regime prisoners after the fall of the government.
You can read more about the story here.
Tom Watling9 December 2024 13:46
A White House adviser is to visit Israel to discuss Syria, the Gaza hostages and the ceasefire agreement
White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is expected to visit Israel on Thursday to discuss Syria and efforts to broker a Gaza hostage deal and cease-fire, Axios reporter Barak Ravid said in a post on X, citing Israeli officials.
Tom Watling9 December 2024 13:35
Egypt condemns Israel’s ‘further occupation’ of Syria
Egypt condemned Israel’s “further occupation of Syrian lands” after sending troops to a buffer zone in Syria.
Israel’s move to the buffer zone is an attempt to create a new reality on the ground, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Monday.
Gideon Saar, Israel’s foreign minister, claims it is a temporary measure to ensure Israel’s security after the fall of the Assad regime.
Alex Croft9 December 2024 13:25
Watch: Labor promises ‘swift decision’ on lifting ban on Syrian group after fall of Assad regime
The UK government will make a quick decision on whether to lift the ban on the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) after overthrowing the president Bashar Assadregime, Labour’s Pat McFadden said.
HTS is banned in the UK due to its past links with Al Qaeda, the terrorist organization once led by Osama bin Laden.
Speaking to Mishal Husain on BBC Radio 4 on Monday (December 9), the cabinet minister said “The situation is very fluid” but hoped that if there was a need for talks with HTS, “it should be relatively quick decision”.
It came after a coalition of rebel groups captured Damascus on Sunday and the former president fled to Russia, one of his main allies.
Read Holly Patrick’s full report:
Labor promises ‘swift decision’ on lifting ban on Syrian group after Assad regime falls
The UK government will make a quick decision on whether to lift the ban on Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) after it toppled the regime of President Bashar Assad, Labour’s Pat McFadden has said. HTS is banned in the UK due to its past links with Al Qaeda, the terrorist organization once led by Osama bin Laden. Speaking to Mishal Husain on BBC Radio 4 on Monday (December 9), the cabinet minister said “The situation is very fluid” but hoped that if there was a need for talks with HTS, “it should be relatively quick decision”. It came after a coalition of rebel groups captured Damascus on Sunday and the former president fled to Russia, one of his main allies.
Alex Croft9 December 2024 13:15
Hamas congratulates Syrian rebels
The Palestinian militant group Hamas released a statement congratulating the people of Syria on achieving their aspirations for freedom and justice.
Hamas hopes that Syrian national unity will allow it to continue its historic role in supporting the Palestinian people, the statement said.
Alex Croft9 December 2024 13:03