Washington DC [US]: US President Joe Biden on Sunday celebrated the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, describing it as a “fundamental act of justice” and a pivotal moment for the Syrian people to rebuild their nation.
Biden made the remarks following significant developments in Syria, where rebel forces reportedly forced Assad to resign and flee the country after over two decades of rule.
“After 13 years of civil war in Syria, more than half a century of brutal authoritarian rule by Bashar Assad and his father before him, rebel forces have forced Assad to resign his office and flee the country,” Biden stated.
“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. It’s a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria to build a better future for their proud country,” he added.
Acknowledging Challenges
Biden cautioned that the regime’s collapse brings uncertainty and risks. He assured that the U.S. would collaborate with allies and Syrian stakeholders to stabilize the region and support its transition.
“It’s also a moment of risk and uncertainty as we all turn to the question of what comes next. The United States will work with our partners and the stakeholders in Syria to help them seize an opportunity to manage the risk,” he said.
Biden emphasized his administration’s consistent policy on Syria, highlighting sanctions on Assad for refusing to engage in a political process outlined by the UN Security Council in 2015.
“Over the past four years, my administration pursued a clear principal policy towards Syria. First, we made clear from the start that sanctions on Assad would remain in place unless he engaged seriously in a political process to end the Civil War,” Biden explained.
US Role Moving Forward
Biden pledged continued U.S. support for Syria’s neighbors and the Syrian people.
“We now see new opportunities opening up for the people of Syria and for the entire region. Looking ahead, the United States will do the following. First, we will support Syria’s neighbors including Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Israel. Should any threat arise from Syria during this period of transition, I will speak with leaders of the region in the coming days,” Biden said.
“Second, we will help ensure stability in eastern Syria… Third, we will engage with all Syrian groups to establish a transition away from the Assad regime toward an independent, sovereign Syria with a new constitution and government that serves all Syrians,” he added.
Rebel Forces Capture Damascus
Syrian rebels entered Damascus on Sunday, forcing Assad to flee to an undisclosed location, marking the end of his regime. Earlier, rebels captured key cities like Homs, Aleppo, and Daraa.
“The tyrant Bashar al-Assad has fled,” the armed opposition announced.
Hadi al-Bahra, the head of Syria’s main opposition group abroad, confirmed to Reuters that Damascus is now “without Bashar al-Assad.”
The civil war, which had been dormant for years, reignited, with Syrian rebel groups swiftly taking control of strategic areas in recent weeks.