U.S. President Joe Biden has celebrated the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, calling it an “act of justice” and a significant milestone for the Syrian people after more than 13 years of civil war.
In a video statement, Biden said, “At long last, the Assad regime has fallen. This regime brutalized, tortured, and killed hundreds of thousands of innocent Syrians. The fall of the regime is a fundamental act of justice, a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria.”
The collapse of Assad’s regime, which marked the end of decades of rule by the Assad family, came after Islamist rebels captured Damascus. Assad reportedly fled to an unknown destination with his family, according to Reuters. Thousands of Syrians gathered in Damascus’ main square on Sunday to celebrate, chanting “Freedom” and rejoicing in the release of prisoners from Sednaya, a notorious prison on the city’s outskirts.
Iran’s embassy in Damascus was stormed by rebels during the uprising, while Syria’s army command confirmed the end of Assad’s rule. Despite this, military operations reportedly continued in areas like Hama, Homs, and the Deraa countryside.
The Syrian rebel coalition announced plans to transfer power to a transitional governing body with full executive authority. In a statement, the coalition said, “The great Syrian revolution has moved from the stage of struggle to overthrow the Assad regime to the struggle to build a Syria that honors the sacrifices of its people.”
Regional shifts contributed to Assad’s downfall, including the deaths of key Hezbollah leaders and Russia’s increasing focus on its war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Turkey-backed Syrian forces advanced in northern Syria, intensifying efforts against Kurdish forces.
Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali called for free elections to shape Syria’s future. He also disclosed ongoing discussions with rebel commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani to manage the transitional period.
The fall of the Assad regime has been seen as a turning point in Syria’s history, offering hope for a new era of freedom and governance after years of devastating conflict.
