Syrian rebels, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have destroyed the tomb of Hafez al-Assad, the former president and father of ousted president Bashar al-Assad.
This marks the end of the Assad family’s 54-year rule in Syria.
The destruction of the tomb, located in Qardaha, the Assad family’s hometown in Latakia province, was captured in videos posted online. The footage shows armed rebels chanting as they set fire to the mausoleum. HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, also known as Ahmed al-Sharaa, has pledged to respect Syria’s religious and cultural diversity.
The offensive by HTS and allied factions has resulted in the capture of Damascus, forcing Bashar al-Assad and his family to flee to Russia, where they have been granted asylum.
Statues and portraits of Hafez and Bashar al-Assad have been torn down in cities across the country, as Syrians celebrate the end of decades-long authoritarian rule.
The fall of the Assad regime has prompted mixed international reactions. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blamed the regime’s collapse on U.S. and Israeli interference, alongside a “neighbouring state.” In contrast, the U.S. has expressed conditional support for Syria’s new leadership, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and minority protection.
A transitional government, led by Mohammed al-Bashir, has been established, with plans to govern until March 2025. The new leadership has begun transitioning power from the remnants of Assad’s administration. In Qardaha, HTS leaders met with local elders, securing their support and emphasizing unity. However, some members of the Alawite minority, long associated with the Assad regime, fear retribution.
In Damascus, daily life is slowly returning to normal after years of conflict. Residents describe a newfound sense of freedom, with shops reopening and markets bustling. \
